a’Beckett, Hastings Elwin. ASC1902-7

Military Cross: Lieutenant H E a'Beckett, 1 Battalion AIF Hastings was born at Bathurst and enlisted for service with the AIF at the age of 24 in November 1914. He was assigned to 6 Light Horse Regiment with the service number 550. He was later attached to 1 Australian Divisional Headquarters at Gallipoli where he served from May 1915. By the evacuation of troops from the Anzac Area in December 1915, had been promoted to corporal. Before he embarked for the Western Front in March 1916, a'Beckett was transferred to 1 Battalion and was commissioned as a second lieutenant. In July 1916, was wounded at Contalmaison, near Pozieres, though remained on duty with his battalion in the Battle of Pozieres until they, as part of 1 Brigade, were replaced by 2 Brigade on 27 July. He was then evacuated and transported to hospital in England. He returned to his

battalion in October, having been promoted to lieutenant, and having received Mention in Despatches for his actions at Pozieres (gazetted London 4 January 1917). In November, Lieutenant a'Beckett was awarded the Military Cross. His citation for the award reads: 'For his coolness and courage in an attack on the enemy's trenches near GUEUDECOURT on the night 4th/5th November 1916. Whilst leading his men in the first assaulting party, a shell burst near him, leaving him in a dazed condition. On recovering, he returned to our assembly trenches, and again led a party in the second attack. When that failed owing to the enemy's severe machine gun fire, he remained close to hostile trenches endeavouring to collect men to make a further effort. Throughout the whole operation he showed great coolness and courage and led his men with much dash.' In May 1917 at Bullecourt, a'Beckett was again wounded in action and transported to hospital in England, returning to his unit in September. On 26 May 1918 at Strazeele, he was wounded for a third time by a serious gun shot wound to the jaw, again being evacuated to England... After he recuperated, a'Beckett MC returned home to Australia in December 1918. Regret, reference for this very good summary, accidently lost. Ed.

Mr. W. C. a 'Beckett yesterday received a cable announcing that his son, Lieut. Hastie a 'Beckett, has .been wounded in France.

Wellington Times 3/8/16 P.6

. Group portrait of the officers of the 1st Battalion at Meteren. Left to right, back row: Lieutenant (Lt) K. C. Mortlock MC: Lt Robert D. Humphreys MM (killed in action 16 April 1918); Lt F. A. Presnell; Lt T. J.

Richards MC; Captain (Capt) Chaplain Redmond; Lt W. H. Parkinson; Lt R. H. Jensen; Lt A. J. H. Stobo. Middle row: Lt F. P. Shannon; Lt C. J. Waugh; Lt G. Bitmead; Lt F. W. Wells; Lt A. T. H. Brownlie; Lt H. H. Davis MC; Lt R. W. Sampson MC; Lt B. W. Champion; Lt C. A. Clark; Lt C. R. Morley MC; Lt D. J. Burrin (killed in action 23 August 1918). Front row: Capt P. O'Shea MC; Lt F. A. Graham; Capt W. L.

Walker; Capt R. J. Forrest MC; Capt C. B. Withy MC; Lieutenant Colonel B. V. Stacy CMG DSO; Lt H. Broadman; Lt A. E. Symons; Lt H. E. a'Beckett MC; Capt J. C. Bootle; Lt F. Griffiths.

A’Beckett second from right first row Permalink: http://cas.awm.gov.au/item/E01630

Regret, source not recorded, Ed.

Rest of citation missing.

Military Cross: Lieutenant H E a'Beckett, 1 Battalion AIF

FINCH-a'BECKETT.-The Engagement is announced of Jane Hastings, elder daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Hastings a'Beckett, of Wellington. NSW to William, younger son of Mr. and Mrs. George Finch, of Molong.

SMH 26/7/47 P.40

Father a'Beckett, Hastings Elwin Mother Barton, Edith Cecila

Siblings 1. a'Beckett, Jane Hastings Madge Hastings

Birth Name a'Beckett, Hastings Elwin Age at Death 79 years, 23 days

Birth 03-08-1890 “Lianarth” Bathurst. Death 26-8-1969 Wellington, NSW Father a'Beckett, William Channing Mother Smith, Jessie Gertrude Married Wife Barton, Edith Cecila Marriage 1923-10-17 Mt Victoria

1. Child, a’Beckett, Jane Hastings