Henry's Story.
Birkenhead News 13 May 1916Rock Ferry “Pal”
Dies at the Post of Duty.
Mrs. Beacham, of 58, Russell Road, Rock Ferry, has received news of the death of her son, Lance-Corporal Harry Beacham, of the 17th Battalion King’s Liverpool Regiment, while on active service. The young man was 24 years of age, and was educated at Rock Ferry Higher Grade School. When the war broke out he was employed in the clerical staff of Messrs Elder, Dempster and Co. of Liverpool. Shortly after the outbreak of war he joined the colours and was attached to the Machine Gun Section, “D” Co., S.B., King’s Liverpool Regiment. As a boy he sang in the choir of St. Peter’s Church, Rock Ferry.
Mrs. Beacham has received several letters of sympathy from the firing line. The chaplain (Rev. P. H. Turnbull) writes as follows -: “Dear Mrs. Beacham, I much regret to say that your son H. Beacham, lance-corporal in the 17th Liverpools, was killed in action early this morning. He was at his post in the trenches, and was hit by a German sniper. You have the consolation of knowing that he died at his post doing his duty. I buried him this afternoon in a beautiful place behind the line. The grave will be marked by a permanent cross. Many of his comrades were with us at the little service. I feel that little I can say do much to lighten the burden of your sorrow, but I do offer you my real sympathy, and that in future years you may always feel proud of him.”
From Lance-Corporal Beacham’s friend, Private John H. Phillips, who joined with him, Mrs. Beacham has received a very sympathetic letter, in the course of which he says :- “I hasten to tender to you my deepest and heartfelt sympathy in your great trouble. My grief knows no bounds, as the loss of such a splendid companion causes a blank in my life which can never be filled. It was at 1.10 this morning that Harry was hit in the head by a sniper’s bullet, and until he passed away he was unconscious. If it is any consolation to you I can assure you he suffered no pain whatever, as he was rendered unconscious instantaneously. Everything possible was done for him by his comrades, but despite their efforts he passed away about an hour after the accident. We arrived in the trenches on Sunday night, and we were a very happy party until this gloom appeared. Harry was one of the most popular N.C.O.’s in the battalion, and his popularity was well merited, for he was willing to do a good turn always. I am voicing the sentiments of the whole machine gun Section – in fact, the whole battalion – when I say he will be sadly missed … the interment took place at 2.30 this afternoon, and several of his comrades attended. His grave will be always well cared for.
Sergeant Smedley also wrote describing Lance-Corporal Beacham as a dear friend and most popular machine gunner, whose loss will be very much felt.