Wilfred Arthur Beal
- Family History
- Military History
- Extra Information
- Photographs
He was the son of Arthur Edward and Annie Elizabeth Beal and older brother of Edward Gerald; two other children died in infancy (1911 census). In 1901 the family was living at 70 Sneinton Dale; his father was a clothier 'on his own account.' By 1911 they had moved to 16 Henry Road, West Bridgford, and Wilfred (16) and Edward (14) were both 'assistants', possibly working for their father whose occupation was 'clothier master'. Wilfred's brother, Edward, a lieutenant in the Sherwood Foresters, was killed in France on 6 November 1918. His father died on 7 April 1941 aged 67 and his mother on 5 January 1969 aged 96.
His Army service record survives. He enlisted on a short service engagement, aged 19 years and 186 days, on 8 September 1914. He joined at Winchester the following day and was posted to the Rifle Brigade on 11 September. He was appointed lance corporal on 19 September 1914 and promoted corporal on 15 December 1914. He served in France from 20 May 1915 and was reported missing on 31 July 1915, later reported killed on 30 July, having served for 526 days. He has no known grave and is commemorated on the Ypres (Menin Gate) memorial. He was awarded the 1915 Star, British War Medal and Victory Medal.
Family grave, Nottingham Southern Cemetery, Wilford Hill. 'In loving memory of Arthur Edward Beal, died April 7th 1941 in his 68th year also his sons Wilfred Arthur Beal killed in France July 30th 1915 and Edward Gerald Beal killed in France Nov. 6th 1918. Also Annie Elizabeth Beale, reunited January 5th 1969 in her 97th years. The King of love my shepherd is. Hymn 197.' Nottingham Evening Post, ‘Roll of Honour’, 22 March 1916: ‘Beale. Missing since July 30th 1915, after the liquid fire attack at Hooge, now officially reported killed in action, Corpl, Wilfred A Beal, 8th Rifle Brigade (Prince Consort’s Own), beloved eldest son of Arthur Edward and Annie Elizabeth Beal, Henry-road, West Bridgford.’ (www.britishnewspaperarchive.co.uk)
