Page:Admirals of the British Navy.djvu/66

ADMIRAL SIR DAVID BEATTY, GC.B., G.C.V.O., D.S.O. AURAL SIR DAVID BEATTY, G.C.B., G.C.V.O., D.S.O., was born on January iyth, 1871, and entered the " Britannia ' in January, 1884. He became a Lieutenant in August, 1892. During the Egyptian War he served on the Nile in co- operation with the Egyptian Army, under the late Lord Kitchener. In the course of this campaign he rendered excellent service in getting gunboats over the Cataract, and, as second in command of the Flotilla, at the forcing of the Dervish batteries at Hafir under fire. On Commander Colville being wounded, Lieutenant Beatty took command of the Flotilla and fought the gunboats in front of the enemy batteries with great persistence and success, eventually dismounting their guns. For these services he was awarded the D.S.O. and mentioned in despatches. He was also mentioned in despatches by the Sirdar for service with the gunboats employed during the Soudan operations on the Nile in 1898, which included the capture of Berber and the battles of Atbara and Khartoum. He subsequently accompanied Lord Kitchener in the advance to Fashoda, and was present at his meeting with Major Marchand. After the capture of Khartoum he was specially promoted to Commander. When the Boxer outbreak occurred Admiral Beatty was Commander in the " Barfleur," second flagship on the China Station, and served in the Tientsin Concession throughout the siege. He showed exceptional tenacity in attempting with 200 bluejackets to capture two Chinese guns which were causing great trouble to the forces and inhabitants ; after being twice wounded he continued to lead his men to the attack. He afterwards commanded the British Naval Brigade of the international force which relieved Admiral Seymour's expedition from a critical