PARAS 2 Beattie, Hugh (the Rev. Father) (Hughie)

John Robertson

Administrator
Staff member
  • SURNAME
Beattie
  • FORENAME
Hugh (the Rev. Father) (Hughie)
  • UNIT
16 Parachute Brigade (HQ)
  • RANK
Chaplain Third Class
  • NUMBER
469670
  • AWARD
Member of the British Empire
  • PLACE
1969
  • ADDITIONAL INFORMATION
born 2.8.1928 Dumbarton
National Service with Royal Artillery and Highland Light Infantry
joined priesthood through St Peter's Seminary, Cardross and Scots College, Rome
ordained to diocese of Motherwell 1955
Royal Army Chaplains' Department 1961
R.C. Chaplain,16 Parachute Brigade 1961-68 + 1972
Senior R.C. chaplain, British Army of the Rhine (Chaplain 1st Class) 1980s
Chaplain, Irish Guards (reverted Chaplain 3rd Class) until 1988
died 24.8.2002
ashes scattered Warrenpoint, Northern Ireland
London Gazette 44740, 20th December 1968, Page 6 (MBE)
 

CITATION:

Member of the Order of the British Empire : During the six years that he has served 16th Parachute Brigade as a chaplain, Father Beattie has become a legendary figure. In 1968, having just finished an arduous selection course, he forewent his leave in order to accompany the 3rd Battalion Group on a short tour in the jungle in Malaya. Here men of the brigade began to learn what a selfless, God-fearing and essentially sympathetic man had come to serve them as their Roman Catholic padre. Men who had not been to church for years were drawn to his services as they were warmed and inspired by his presence.

In Cyprus, North Africa, the Persian Gulf as in Malaya and the United Kingdom, Padre Beattie was always to be found in remote places of hardship cheering and inspiring. Later, he accompanied the 2nd Battalion Group to Borneo and carried in the operations a magnificent reputation amongst soldiers and ****** everywhere in the jungle. No detachment was too small to be visited, no individual too remote to demand his time.

On returning from oversea, Padre Beattie continued to the very last day of his tour with the brigade to be a guide and friend to officers and men devoted to all irrespective of denunciations held in return in deep affection and respect by all.

Place : HK, Malaya, Borneo, North Africa, Persian Gulf
Date of Action : 1962-68
How Employed : Roman Catholic Chaplain, 16th Parachute Brigade

WEB LINKS:

https://www.thegazette.co.uk/London/issue/44740/supplement/6
https://discovery.nationalarchives.gov.uk/details/r/D7631613

NATIONAL ARCHIVES:

https://discovery.nationalarchives.gov.uk/details/r/D7631613
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I have a letter from Father Beattie from 1982 when he personally visited me in Osnabruck. He was a close friend of the family as a young priest at St Ninians Burnbank Hamilton. He happened to see my name listed as playing Rugby for the 1st 15 KOSB Rugby team.

He was senior chaplain Germany and a colonel at the time I remember him fondly and the stories he told me. Sneaking into Hamilton for a pint with my dad uncle Bob only a couple mind. A great man and a true Para I also visit the gravestone and family plot of Cpl David Hartman 2 Para killed in the Falklands 1982.
 
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Fr Hugh Beattie was my uncle.He is my mums brother and was such a character.Small in stature but larger than life.A miss to our family ❤️
 
Margo Hi Father Huge travel 134 miles to come and see me spent an hour with me unbelievabl. As you can see this memory has stayed with me all these years. If you like you can have that letter it’s a tie to him and your family. We can arrange if you want via Email. matt-w1@hotmail.co.uk
 
Fr Hugh Beattie was my uncle.He is my mums brother and was such a character.Small in stature but larger than life.A miss to our family ❤️
I knew Fr Hughie from the Irish Guards. A wonderful priest, excellent soldier and a great man. Even got me barred from a pub in London. QS
 
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