Falmouth museum seeks community support to bring WWII hero's medals home
If the funds are raised, Captain Stephen Beattie's medals will go on display at the National Maritime Museum Cornwall.
A community campaign is underway to secure funding for a special display at the National Maritime Museum Cornwall in Falmouth.
The museum is aiming to raise over £29,000 for a specialised case to safely exhibit Captain Stephen Beattie’s medals, including his Victoria Cross - which are currently at the Imperial War Museum in London.
Captain Beattie played a crucial role in the St Nazaire Raid during World War II.
In March 1942, he led a dangerous mission to attack the port of Saint Nazaire in France, crippling the German battleship Tirpitz's support dock.
Known as ‘The Greatest Raid of All,’ this daring operation involved transforming HMS Campbeltown into a giant explosive device disguised as a German ship, with the mission to drive it into the dock gates.
Amid heavy enemy fire, Captain Beattie led over 600 men on this high-risk operation.
Although many soldiers paid the ultimate price, their bravery had lasting impacts on the war effort.
Captain Beattie’s leadership was recognised with a Victoria Cross - also receiving it on behalf of the brave unnamed officers and men, many of whom did not return.
Jonathan Griffin, volunteer archivist at the museum, described the raid as an "incredibly daring suicide mission," and said returning the medals to Falmouth.
"It's incredibly important that right at the heart of that is the medal for Stephen Beattie - not only for his bravery - but it was also in recognition of the people that didn't come back," he said.
"And indeed, Stephen became a local celebrity, if you like, but he was a modest man here in Falmouth.
"To have it here and to be able to tell that story with the medal right at the heart of it, is terribly important to us."
The medals include a Victoria Cross, awarded to Stephen Beattie and other brave soldiers for their exceptional bravery during the raid.
The museum plans to preserve his story story, alongside those of the brave military personnel who fought with him.
Falmouth holds a special connection to the operation, as the mission both began and ended there in March 1942.
It is also where Beattie brought up his family and spent the latter years of his life.
Today, Captain Beattie is today recognised for his modesty - despite his heroic actions.
Through this fundraising effort, the museum is hopeful that bringing Beattie’s medals home will help share his story even wider, and give locals and visitors alike an opportunity to learn more about this poignant piece of history.