Beattie, James Walker
Rank: Captain
Regiment: H.M.S. Aberdonian, Royal Army Medical Corps
Biography: Son of Alexander Beattie, farmer ; born Huntly, 14 August 1853 ; educated Aberdeen Grammar School ; graduated M.B., 1878 ; M.D., 1889. While still a student, Dr. Beattie voyaged three times to the Arctic Seas in whaling vessels. He took up practice in Sunderland in 1878 and his services there, especially at the docks and the riverside, were of great value and highly appreciated. At one time Dr. Beattie served in the Durham Artillery Volunteers, and he held the Long Service Medal for service in the Sunderland Volunteer Life Brigade. At the outbreak of war, though much over military age, he joined the R.A.M.C., and, on being offered hospital work, made personal application to be sent on active service. His application was successful. In May 195 he was appointed to the Hospital Ship ''Asturias'' on which he served during the evacuation at Suvla Bay, and also when she was torpedoed on her way from Avonmouth to Southampton. Captain Beattie was then appointed M.O. on the "Warilda", and a fortnight before his death was made O.C. of the "Aberdonian". He died on 25 July 1918 in his 66th year, on board his ship at Southampton. His adventurous spirit and high courage would not let him accept the less arduous and dangerous lot to which his age entitled him, and Captain Beattie will be remembered as the oldest son of his Alma Mater to give his life on active service in the Great War.
Date of Death: 25 July 1918
Burial Details: Buried at Sunderland (Ryhope Road) Cemetery, Ward 16, Section BB, 15393.
Publication: Roll of Service, edited by Mabel Desborough Allardyce. Published 1921.
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