Orders, Decorations, Medals and Militaria

A Cutlery Box presented to Commander D. M. W. Beak, V.C., D.S.O., M.C.
A three tier oak bodied cutlery box (empty) by Mappin and Webb Ltd., the lid with applied brass plaque ‘To Commander D. M. W. Beak, V.C., D.S.O., M.C., from some old members of the Drake Bn. in admiration Sept. 5th 1923’, good condition £80-£100

This lot was sold as part of a special collection, Medals from the Collection of Peter and Dee Helmore.

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Dix Noonan Webb April 2001 when sold with the felt lined trays missing all fittings and severely mothed. The box now restored and repurposed as a collectors cabinet with all tray bases fitted with sheet cork and the whole carefully relined in a green baize to comfortably hold three layers of medals or similar.

V.C. London Gazette 15 November 1918:
‘For most conspicuous bravery, courageous leadership and devotion to duty during a prolonged period of operations. He led his men in attack, and, despite heavy machine-gun fire, four enemy positions were captured. His skilful and fearless leadership resulted in the complete success of this operation and enabled other battalions to reach their objectives. Four days later, though dazed by a shell fragment, in the absence of the brigade commander, he reorganised the whole brigade under extremely heavy gun fire, and led his men with splendid courage to their objective. An attack having been held up, he rushed forward, accompanied by only one runner, and succeeded in breaking up a nest of machine guns, personally bringing back nine or ten prisoners. His fearless example instilled courage and confidence into his men, who then quickly resumed the advance under his leadership. On a subsequent occasion he displayed great courage and powers of leadership in attack, and his initiative, coupled with the confidence with which he inspired all ranks, not only enabled his own and a neighbouring unit to advance, but contributed very materially to the success of the Naval Division in these operations.’

D.S.O. London Gazette 26 July 1918:
‘For conspicuous gallantry and devotion to duty. During a night attack by the enemy the right flank of his division was left in a dangerous position. He arranged for a flank to be formed in that direction, and subsequently covered the retirement of two brigades with a composite rear-guard which he organised and commanded. His initiative and presence of mind greatly assisted in extricating these brigades from a very difficult situation. Throughout, the skilful handling of his battalion was particularly noticeable.’

M.C. London Gazette 26 January 1917:
‘For conspicuous gallantry in action. He led his men in the attack with great courage and initiative and materially assisted in the capture of the enemy line. He set a fine example throughout.’

M.C. Second Award Bar London Gazette 18 July 1917:
‘For conspicuous gallantry during operations, when he continually dashed forward, under heavy fire, to reorganise the men, and led them on with great bravery through the enemy barrage and machine-gun fire.’

Daniel Marcus William Beak was born in Southampton on 27 July 1891 and joined the Royal Naval Volunteer Reserve in 1915. He served at Gallipoli and was present at the evacuation, before seeing further service with the Drake Battalion on the Western Front, distinguishing himself during the attack on the Hindenburg Line in the final advance to Victory. He died on 3 May 1967. His V.C. group of medals was sold by Spink in November 2003 for the then world record price of £155,000, and is now held by the Lord Ashcroft Collection.