Robert Scott BEATTY

Regimental number7103
Place of birthMitcham, South Australia
ReligionRoman Catholic
OccupationCivil servant
AddressParkside, South Australia
Marital statusSingle
Age at embarkation21
Next of kinMother, Mrs E M Beatty, 10 Liston Street, Parkside, South Australia
Enlistment date18 September 1916
Rank on enlistmentPrivate
Unit name10th Battalion, 23rd Reinforcement
AWM Embarkation Roll number23/27/4
Embarkation detailsUnit embarked from Adelaide, South Australia, on board HMAT A35 Berrima on 16 December 1916
Rank from Nominal RollSergeant
Unit from Nominal Roll10th Battalion
Recommendations (Medals and Awards)

Military Medal


'Work near Jeancourt on 18 September 1918.'
Recommendation date: 14 August 1918

Distinguished Conduct Medal


Recommendation date: 30 September 1918

FateReturned to Australia 18 July 1919
Medals

Distinguished Conduct Medal

'For most conspicuous gallantry and dash. In the operations near Jeancourt, on 18 September, 1918, he followed by his section, rushed a machine gun next in a small quarry, and in face of heavy fire advanced, firing his Lewis gun from the hip. He succeeded in putting one of the enemy gun crews out of action, and swept the parapet of the trench. Having ordered six prisoners to the rear, he handed his Lewis gun over to his section, and with bombs and a revolver mopped up the remaining enemy in the quarry. His total captures from this quarry were three officers, 43 other ranks, and three machine guns. He did splendid work.'
Source: 'Commonwealth Gazette' No. 20
Date: 19 February 1920

Military Medal

'Near MERRIS on 22nd July 1918 this N.C.O. with 3 other ranks went forward by daylight and located a strong enemy post, bringing back one man who was wounded. At 9.30 p.m. he went out with another patrol and captured this post after a sharp fight, with 4 prisoners and 3 machine guns. During the fight, seeing a German about to bring a machine gun into action 20 yards away, he rushed at him and killed him with his revolver, thus saving the patrol. Throughout this N.C.O. showed exceptional bravery and judgment.'
Source: 'Commonwealth Gazette' No. 61
Date: 23 May 1919

Family/military connectionsBrothers: 1301 Pte Thomas George BEATTY, 52nd Bn, killed in action, 24 April 1918; 2729 Pte William James BEATTY, 10th Bn, killed in action, 24 April 1918.
Other details

War service: Western Front

Medals: Distinguished Conduct Medal, Military Medal, British War Medal, Victory Medal