Near Wakkerstroom, on April 22, 1900,
No. 2 Mounted Infantry Co. (1st Derbyshire) and two squadrons
Imperial Yeomanry were obliged to retire from their position,
being under a ridge strongly held by the enemy. An Imperial
Yeoman, Corporal Burnett, being shot, was left on the ground, on
seeing which Beet went back, dragged him to cover, and attended
to his wounds, keeping up whenever able such a hot fire on the
enemy that they were prevented from approaching the post till
after darkness had set in, when Dr. Wilson, Imperial Yeomanry,
took charge of the wounded man. Not only during the retirement,
but throughout the whole afternoon, Beet was exposed to a heavy
fire. Son of Mr. J. A. Beet,
sculptor, of Brackendale Farm, near Bingham, Notts, where he was
born on April 1, 1873. Joined the Sherwood Foresters, February
18, 1892, embarking for India January, 1894, serving throughout
the fighting on the Punjab Frontier, 1897-8 (medal and two
clasps). During active service in South Africa was once wounded,
December 9, 1901 ; was promoted Sergeant by Lord Kitchener for
service in the field, April 4, 1900, gaining his Victoria Cross
as above described while under immediate command of Captain P.
Leverson-Gower, and Column - Commander Lieut.-Colonel Sitwell,
D.S.O. The decoration was presented to him at the capital of
Natal, August 14, 1901, by H.R.H. the Duke of York.
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