Military hero to be honoured
11:15am Sun Jan 29, 2012
Around a hundred people are expected to attend the unveiling of a plaque dedicated to the memory of a Victoria Cross hero.
Corporal Harry Beet, of Bingham, received the military honour for saving another soldier’s life during the Boer War.
The plaque will be installed at Bingham Parish Church in a ceremony at 3pm today attended by ex-servicemen including the Bingham MP, Mr Patrick Mercer.
Corporal Beet served with the 1st Battalion Derbyshire Regiment —later renamed the Sherwood Foresters, which Mr Mercer was commissioned into and eventually commanded.
“He was a local man in a local regiment and I believe he was even the first recipient of the Victoria Cross in Nottinghamshire,” said Mr Mercer.
Cadets from The 1936 Air Training Corps, based at RAF Newton, will also attend.
The Nottingham and Nottinghamshire Victoria Cross Committee have been trying to organise the installation of a plaque somewhere in the town for around two years.
The committee chairman, Mr Tony Higton, of Bingham, said it would be a proud day for the town.
“Only 1,356 men have been awarded the Victoria Cross in 154 years. When you consider the millions of men in the armed forces, this really is something special,” he said.
“Our Victoria Cross holders are real-life heroes and should be celebrated.
“Anyone can come to the ceremony and celebrate with us.”
Mr Higton said Bingham town and Rushcliffe borough councils were very supportive of the project.
The town council donated £500 to have the oak handmade plaque carved and replica medals made.
Corporal Beet was born in 1875 at Brackendale Farm, Bingham, and joined up aged 17.
On April 22, 1900, while serving in Wakkerstoom, South Africa, Corporal Beet came across a wounded soldier near a farm.
Despite being exposed to heavy fire throughout the afternoon, Corporal Beet stayed with his comrade, Corporal Burnett, put him under cover, and bandaged his wounds.
He continued firing and prevented the enemy reaching the farm until darkness fell.
As a result of his actions Corporal Beet was promoted to Sergeant, and the Duke of York presented him with the Victoria Cross in 1901.
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