TOPIC:

"With the death of Mr. Thomas William Beech, of Crystal Avenue, Hornchurch, there has been severed a link with the famous Sidney Street siege in the East End of London in which armed troops and armed police were held at bay by desperadoes who eventually shot themelves after resisting arrest. Mr. Beech was a constable in the Metropolitan Police, and was one of those who helped the soldiers to subdue the besieged. He had been ailing since February, but lately his health became worse, and he was removed to the London Hospital, where he died. The funeral took place at Hornchurch Churchyard on Saturday. Mr. Beech, who was 53 years of age, had served in the Metropolitan Police for 25 years, retiring three years ago, when he came to live at Hornchurch. A member of H Division, he was one of its most foremost athletes. At one athletic meeting at the Crystal Palace he won three first prizes, and two second prizes for running, and later gained a good measure of success as a boxer. Even when he was over 40 he fought a man who was twenty years younger and outpointed him. During the South African War Mr. Beech served with the 7th Lancers, and during the Great War he was on police duty at Stepney when he was injured by a piece of shrapnel during an air-raid. He leaves a widow, a son, and three daughters."
The Essex Newsman, Saturday 30th December 1933

www.findagrave.com/memorial/190813992/th...liam-beech#add-to-vc

en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Siege_of_Sidney_Street

Hi Berenice
No 7th Lancers during South Africa Boer war to my knowledge.
5th, 9th, 12th, 16th & 17th
Regards
Dave

Hmm....perhaps he served with another regiment, or perhaps it's yet another obituary that couldn't get the facts right.

Berenice
According to my Cavalry CD, there was no "T.W.Beech/Beach" serving during the Boer War in that Arm. Closest, if one ignores the lack of a "T" is was one " 2711 Sgt. W.Beech" of the 2nd Dragoons.
Regards
IL.

Thanks, Dave and IL. I'll do some digging in the local newspapers, see if I can find any wartime mentions of him.