Second World War Medal Group – Gunner Absalom Edward William Beeney
Defence Medal – unnamed as issued
War Medal – unnamed as issued
Territorial Efficiency Medal – 1430693 GNR W BEENEY RA
Absalom Edward William Beeney (usually just went by “William Beeney”) was born on 3rd March 1920 at St Helens, Isle of Wight, Hampshire, the son of Absalom George Beeney (1898–1960) and Mary Sophia Beeney (née Hunt) (1894–1971). At the time of the 1921 Census he was living with his parents at Alma Cottage, Putt Street, St Helens, where his father was employed locally and the family were long established in the area.
He later enlisted for service in the Territorial Army, joining the Royal Artillery on 20th May 1938, receiving the service number 1430693. His enlistment came during the period of rapid expansion of the Territorial Army as tensions in Europe increased in the late 1930s. As a Territorial soldier he would have undertaken regular annual training and weekend drills prior to the outbreak of the Second World War.
With the outbreak of war in September 1939, Territorial Army units of the Royal Artillery were mobilised for full-time service and formed a crucial part of Britain’s anti-aircraft and field artillery defences throughout the war. Beeney served throughout the conflict with the Royal Artillery, remaining in service until the later stages of the war.
His service record shows that he was discharged on 18th May 1946, after the end of hostilities in Europe. For his wartime service he was entitled to the Defence Medal and War Medal 1939–45, reflecting full-time military service during the Second World War.
In addition, his long service in the Territorial Army was recognised with the award of the Territorial Efficiency Medal, granted for twelve years efficient service in the Territorial Army, with wartime service counting at an accelerated rate towards qualification.
Following the war he returned to civilian life and remained associated with the Hampshire area. Absalom Edward William Beeney died in April 1990 in South East Hampshire, aged 70 years.
A solid example of a pre-war Territorial Army soldier who enlisted before the outbreak of the Second World War and served throughout the conflict with the Royal Artillery, later qualifying for the Territorial Efficiency Medal for long and efficient service.
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