4394399 Corporal George Beedham
4394399 Corporal George Beedham was born on the 1st September 1917 to parents James and Lillie (née Bulmer)
Beedham in Sculcoates, Yorkshire and baptised on the 14th of September 1917 at St. Mary’s, Sculcoates.
In the 1921 census George was shown as the youngest of 4 children living at 59 St Hilda Street, Sculcoates. His
father James’ occupation was shown as being a self-employed French Polisher.
In the 1939 Register George is listed as living with his parents, but their address was 168 Hall Road, Kingston
Upon Hull, Yorkshire. George's occupation was a Bricklayers Labourer (Heavy Work).
It is believed George enlisted into the Green Howards and was probably in Egypt with the 1st Battalion before
volunteering for the airborne forces.
After successfully qualifying as a Parachutist in June 1943, George joined
the 11th Parachute Battalion, jumping onto Ginkelse Heide on 18th September 1944 as part of the second
lift. After severe fighting in which ‘the battalion had been fought to a standstill’ he withdrew with many of
his comrades to the defensive area in Oosterbeek and it is thought he ‘swam across the river to safety when
the remnants of the British 1st Airborne Division withdrew to Allied lines south of the Rhine after the 9 day
battle’.[1]
He was mentioned in Despatches for Distinguished Service on 1st May 1945.
George was discharged from the army on the 11th of May 1946 and is believed to have returned to his native Yorkshire. He
died on the 14th of April 1997 in Hull, Yorkshire. His burial took place on 18th April 1997.
We are still researching the life of Corporal Beedham. If you are a relative or have any information about him,
please contact us.
Notes:
1. paradata.org.uk