28 Facts About Victor Beamish

Victor Beamish was captain of the facility's senior rugby team for the final two years of his education.

Victor Beamish entered the Royal Air Force's Cranwell College at Cranwell as a flight cadet in September 1921.

In early 1925 Victor Beamish was posted to the School of Army Co-operation at Old Sarum, subsequently being promoted to flying officer.

Towards the end of the year, Victor Beamish was posted to British India, joining No 31 Squadron at Ambala.

Victor Beamish transferred to No 60 Squadron at Kohat in April 1926.

Victor Beamish played rugby union for Harlequins, Leicester, Hampshire, Royal Air Force and Irish Trials for several years.

Victor Beamish was the eldest of the Beamish brothers who were all accomplished sportsmen and RAF officers; his brothers being George, Charles and Cecil.

In September 1927 Victor Beamish returned to Cranwell College as a member of the staff.

Victor Beamish was promoted flight lieutenant late the following year.

Victor Beamish was posted to Canada in March 1929 on an exchange with the Royal Canadian Air Force, where he worked in training and development of an aerobatics display team.

Victor Beamish reluctantly relinquished his commission in the RAF in October 1933 due to ill-health.

In 1934 Victor Beamish secured a civilian post at No 2 Flying Training School RAF Digby which he held until appointed civilian adjutant at RAF Aldergrove on 18 May 1936 simultaneously being granted a commission as flight lieutenant in the Reserve of Air Force Officers.

Victor Beamish was appointed to command No 64 Squadron RAF at RAF Church Fenton on 8 December 1937.

Squadron Leader Victor Beamish served as Honorary Aide-de-Camp representing the Royal Air Force on the staff of the Governor of Northern Ireland from 6 April 1937 until 6 January 1938.

Victor Beamish was awarded the Air Force Cross on 1 January 1938, for his work in the formation of the "Met Flight".

Victor Beamish completed a course at RAF Staff College, Andover and was appointed to command No 504 Squadron RAF at RAF Digby on 13 September 1939 before sailing to Canada in January 1940 on staff duty, he was Mentioned in Despatches on 20 February 1940 for his service in command.

Victor Beamish was promoted Wing Commander on 1 March 1940, and returned to England assuming command of RAF North Weald on 7 June 1940.

Victor Beamish was awarded the Distinguished Service Order on 23 July 1940, when his citation stated:.

Wing Commander Victor Beamish took over command of a Royal Air Force station after two squadrons there had been intensively engaged in successful fighting operations over France for thirteen days and personally led them on many patrols against the enemy.

On 6 September 1940 Victor Beamish claimed two Junkers Ju 87 dive bombers, on 11 September 1940 a probable Heinkel He 111 bomber, on 15 September 1940 a shared He 111 and on 18 September 1940 and 27 September 1940 he scored probable Bf 109s.

Victor Beamish damaged a Bf 109 on 12 October 1940, on 25 October 1940 he probably destroyed a Bf 109 and damaged another and finally probably shooting down another on 30 October 1940.

On 7 November 1940 Victor Beamish collided with Pilot Officer Tom Neil of No 249 Squadron RAF whilst on patrol and made a forced-landing at Leeds Castle in Kent.

Victor Beamish has displayed exceptional keenness in his engagements against the enemy and has recently destroyed one and possibly a further seven enemy aircraft.

On 11 November 1940 an attack was carried out by Italian aircraft based in Belgium during which Victor Beamish claimed a probable Fiat CR.

Group Captain Victor Beamish commanded a Royal Air Force Station from October 1940 to March, 1941 and during that period carried out 71 operational sorties in which he destroyed an enemy fighter, probably destroyed three other hostile aircraft and damaged others.

The courage and devotion to duty displayed by Group Captain Victor Beamish are of the highest order and he has set a magnificent example.

Victor Beamish was appointed to command RAF Kenley on 25 January 1942 and was able to fly more frequently with his squadrons.

Victor Beamish requested a position over the radio and was last sighted crossing the French coast.