George Beed

Private George Beed – Royal Defence Corps

Early Life

George Beed was born in 1884 in Liverpool. Beyond this, little is known about his early life, family background, or occupation before the First World War, leaving only fragments of his story to be pieced together from military and newspaper records.

Military Service

During the war, George served with the Royal Defence Corps, a unit often made up of older soldiers or those less fit for front-line service. The Corps was tasked with guarding important installations, ports, and infrastructure across Britain — work that was vital to the home front.

Death

Herald of Wales

George died on 23^rd March 1917 while stationed at South Dock, Swansea. His death was reported in the Herald of Wales, though curiously the newspaper referred to him not as George, but as “Charles Beed.” This discrepancy leaves an air of mystery around his identity and how he was known to those around him.

Burial

George Beed
Danygraig Cemetery
credit - findagrave

George’s funeral was reported in the Herald of Wales and was conducted with due honour at Danygraig Cemetery. His coffin, draped in the Union Jack, was borne to the graveside by comrades of the Royal Defence Corps, accompanied by mourners from the Swansea community who had come to pay their respects.

At the graveside, the service was solemnly read, commending George’s soul to rest. Floral tributes surrounded the coffin, sent by family, friends, and fellow servicemen. The ceremony was concluded with the traditional rites of military burial, marking his quiet but meaningful contribution to the defence of Britain’s ports during the war.

Legacy

The question of George — or Charles — Beed’s true name lingers. Whether a misprint, a nickname, or a case of mistaken identity, it reminds us how fragile the historical record can be. Yet whatever the name, his service and sacrifice are preserved at Danygraig, ensuring that he is remembered as part of Swansea’s wartime story.