Doug Beattie, British Army Officer

Captain Douglas Ricardo Beattie MC is chiefly known for his exploits as a soldier. "Born in barracks" in 1965, his father was a warrant officer in the Royal Ulster Rifles. The family settled in Portadown when he was 10 following the cessation of his father's regular service but saw Beattie Snr enlist into the Ulster Defence Regiment shortly after.

At the age of 16 in 1982 he joined the Royal Irish Rangers which became the Royal Irish Regiment in 1992, and in over 28 years of service rose from the rank of "Ranger" to that of Regimental sergeant major before being commissioned and gaining promotion to captain.

His exploits in Afghanistan earned him the Military Cross and following his return he published the first of two books, An Ordinary Soldier, which became an immediate best seller in the United Kingdom and propelled him into the public eye.

After retiring from the army he joined the Ulster Unionist Party and successfully stood for a seat in a Portadown ward of Craigavon Borough Council.

Early life
As the son of a professional soldier not only was Doug Beattie "born in barracks" but moved from area to area as his father's unit was posted to different locations. Eventually, upon retirement from the army by Beattie Snr, the family returned to their native Portadown, County Armagh, in Northern Ireland; moving into a house in Union Street, situated in the densely populated Edgarstown area on the outskirts of the town centre.

His mother died young leaving his father (who had by this time enlisted with the Ulster Defence Regiment to bring him and two brothers up.

At the age of 15 he accidentally shot a friend when the two of them discovered Beattie Snr's personal protection weapon and were playing with it. Although shot in the head his friend recovered.

Service life
Shortly after the incident with the handgun Doug Beattie joined the Royal Irish Rangers and after training was posted to the 2nd Battalion who were stationed in Wavell Barracks, Berlin.

Bravery
As part of the Operational Mentoring and Liaison Team Captain Beattie was part of an operation intended to retake the town of Garmsir in Helmand Province. As a result of his heroic behaviour during the intense fighting over a number of days he was recommended for, and subsequently awarded, the Military Cross.

Political career
Captain Beattie joined the Ulster Unionist Party and successfully stood for a ward in the Portadown area during the 2014 council elections. The merger of councils in Northern Ireland now means he is a member of Armagh, Banbridge and Craigavon District Council.

Awards and commendations
GOC NI Commendation

The Queens Commendation For Bravery

NATO Meritorious Service Medal

Military Cross