Major Charles Harold Longfield Beatty DSO

Charles Beatty was the brother of Admiral of the Fleet Sir David Beatty of Jutland fame. In civilian life he was a well known jockey and racehorse trainer. He won the Grand International Steeplechase at Sandown in 1895 and came second in the Grand National in 1897. He was the trainer of a famous horse of the day called Zinfandel.
He was commissioned into the Militia in Dec 1888 and served in South Africa in the 6th Battalion Royal Warwickshires. He was mentioned in Lord Roberts's Despatch of 29th Oct 1900 but he won the DSO for his actions on 17th Feb 1901. He was with the Mounted Infantry and serving as General Alderson's ADC. Alderson sent Beatty off with a message to Major A L Howard commanding the Canadian Scouts, but at that moment Howard was captured by Boers. He ordered Captain Beatty to go for help and after two failed attempts he managed to escape. His horse was shot and he narrowly escaped injury. Major Howard and his orderly were killed with exploding bullets and found later.
Beatty served in South Africa for two years. When war broke out in 1914 General Alderson was in command of the Canadian Corps and asked Major Beatty if he would resume his job as ADC for him. He agreed, and served in France from 1915. On 3rd April 1916 he was wounded at St Eloi and had to have his arm amputated. While wounded he was contacted by the King's Private Secretary telling him of His Majesty's concern. Unfortunately he died in May 1917. His brother David was in despair.

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