Eight: Petty Officer W. E. Beach, Royal Navy, who was awarded the Royal Humane Society Medal in Bronze for saving life at Sea Palling, Norfolk, on 15 June 1938

1914-15 Star (J.2249 W. E. Beach. P.O., R.N.); British War and Victory Medals (J 2249 W. E. Beach. P.O. R.N.); 1939-45 Star; Atlantic Star; War Medal 1939-45; Royal Navy L.S. & G.C., G.V.R., 2nd issue, fixed suspension (J.2249 W. E. Beach, C.P.O. H.M.S. Ambrose.); Royal Humane Society, small bronze medal (successful) (William E. Beach. 15th June 1938) with integral top riband buckle, in Elkington, London, case of issue; together with a Spink, London, Jutland Commemorative Medallion 1916, 44mm, white metal, contact marks, nearly very fine and better (9) £300-£400

William Edward Beach was born at Bristol in 1892 and commenced naval service as a Boy Second Class in H.M.S. Impregnable on 19 August 1908. He was promoted Able Seaman, H.M.S. Hibernia, on 1 June 1911, and Leading Seaman, H.M.S. Exmouth, on 14 November 1914. Advanced to Petty Officer, H.M.S. St. George, on 25 December 1915, he was born on the books of H.M.S. Europa from 17 May 1916 to 2 July 1918, and therefore it is unlikely that he was present at the Battle of Jutland on 31 May 1916. Advanced Chief Petty Officer, H.M.S. Ambrose, on 15 January 1926, he was awarded his Long Service and Good Conduct Medal later that year, and was shore pensioned in 1932. Recalled for war service in April 1940, he received a War Gratuity, for service in H.M.S. Heron.

Beach was a resident of Brixham and a long time member of the Brixham Amateur Swimming and Life Saving Society, and according to his obituary was serving as a member of the Coast Guard Service when he was awarded the Royal Humane Society Medal for saving life at Sea Palling, Norfolk, on 15 June 1938 (R.H.S. Case no. 55,263).

Sold with named Royal Humane Society enclosure; two photographs of the recipient; and photocopied obituary.