who was decorated for his actions at the sinking of the Scharnhorst.
GVR Distinguished Service Medal. Engraved, C. Ecal A. E. A Beard. C/M3773.
1939/45 Star
Atlantic Star
Africa Star
Italy Star
War Medal
GVR Naval LSGC. Impressed M.37731 E. A, Beard. E, A, 1, H.M.S. Warspite.
Swing Mounted as worn.
Condition VF+
| Estimate: | £1,000 - £1,250 |
| Hammer price: | £1,800 |
Edward Albert Beard was born in Sheerness, Kent, on the 7th of May 1902. He joined the Royal Navy on the 28th of August 1923, giving his occupation as a Fitter and Turner.
On the 12th of September 1938, while serving on HMS Warspite, Beard was awarded the Long Service Good Conduct Medal. On the 1st of October 1941, while serving on HMS Suffolk, he was recommended to become Chief Electrical Artificer 2nd Class. He was on Suffolk when she pursued and helped in the sinking of the Bismarck.
On the 1st of June 1943, he was posted to HMS Sheffield. Beard was awarded the Distinguished Service Medal for his part in the sinking of the Scharnhorst.
H.M.S Belfast, commanded by Rear-Admiral Burnett along with H.M.S Norfolk and H.M.S Sheffield, protected the convoys. H.M.S. Duke of York and H.M.S Jamaica, along with four other destroyers, moved into position to block an escape attempt by Scharnhorst. Early on the morning of the 26th of December, Scharnhorst encountered Rear-Admiral Burnett's force. They were able to hold the Scharnhorst off, and H.M.S Norfolk and H.M.S Sheffield drove her into the force of destroyers. H.M.S Scorpion working in conjunction with the Norwegian ship Stroud, fired 16 torpedoes at the Scharnhorst, hitting her at least once. Scharnhorst was engaged again by H.M.S Duke of York, who had hit her earlier, and was finally sunk. Only 36 survivors were picked up out of a ship's complement of 1970 officers and men.
' ADMIRALTY. Whitehall. 7th March 1944. The KING has been graciously pleased to give orders for the following appointment to the Distinguished Service Order and to approve the following awards: — For gallantry, distinguished service and devotion to duty on the staff of the Commander-in-Chief, Home Fleet, and in H.M. Ships Duke of York, Belfast, Norfolk, Sheffield, Jamaica, Savage, Saumarez, Scorpion, Musketeer, Matchless, Virago and Opportune during the action in which the Scharnhorst was engaged and sunk:
The Distinguished Service Medal
Chief Electrical Artificer Edward Albert Beard, C/M.3773I (Weymouth).
Edward was pensioned in 1945 and passed away in
1999 in Dorset.
