Private ROBERT MATTHEW BEATHAM
Australian Infantry, A.I.F.
8th Bn.
Died 11 August 1918
Age 24 years old
- Country of Service Australian
- Awards Victoria Cross
- Additional Info Son of Elizabeth Beatham, of Glassonby, Kirkoswald, Cumberland, England, and the late John Beatham. His brothers I A Beatham, John Wilfred Beatham and Frederick William Beatham also fell.
- Personal Inscription THY WILL BE DONE
- Additional Citation note
An extract from "The London Gazette" dated 13th Dec., 1918, records the following:- "For most conspicuous bravery and self-sacrifice during the attack north of Rosieres, east of Amiens, on 9th Aug., 1918. When the advance was held up by heavy machine gun fire, Pte. Beatham dashed forward, and, assisted by one man, bombed and fought the crews of four enemy machine guns, killing ten of them and capturing ten others, thus facilitating the advance and saving many casualties. When the final objective was reached, although previously wounded, he again dashed forward and bombed a machine gun, being riddled with bullets and killed in doing so. The valour displayed by this gallant soldier inspired all ranks in a wonderful manner."
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