Bring the Beattie Medals Home | National Maritime Museum Cornwall

On 28 March 1942 British troops undertook what is often referred to as ‘The Greatest Raid of All’. The St Nazaire Raid (Operation Chariot) still stands as one of the most bold and brave British military operations of the Second World War, striking at the very heart of Nazi-occupied France.

In recognition of the exceptional gallantry of the men involved, 89 decorations were awarded, including five Victoria Crosses. Lieutenant Commander Beattie received a Victoria Cross for his unwavering leadership and courage – also receiving it on behalf of the brave unnamed officers and men, many of whom did not return.

Now, we have a rare opportunity to bring his medals, including that Victoria Cross, home to Falmouth the port the troops sailed from. To do it, we need to fund a new display case, so that the remarkable story of bravery in the St Nazaire Raid can be told for generations to come.

We’re crowdfunding to make it happen…

The future for Beattie’s Medals

Captain Stephen Beattie’s medals, including his Victoria Cross for valour during the Second World War, need a new home. We are fundraising for a special case so we can share his incredible story, and the story of the brave military personnel who fought alongside him. Of the men who undertook the raid, only 228 returned. 169 were killed in action and 215 became prisoners of war, including Beattie.

Beattie remained a Prisoner of War until April 1945, only physically receiving his Victoria Cross once he left captivity. He was promoted to Commander in 1945 and then Captain in 1951. He retired in 1960 and later passed away at his home in Cornwall in 1975.

We have been given the wonderful opportunity to bring Beattie’s medals home and put them on display here at National Maritime Museum Cornwall in Falmouth, Cornwall. Falmouth was where the troops left on this fateful mission and where the survivors returned. Cornwall is where Beattie brought up his family and spent the latter years of his life so it feels a fitting tribute to Beattie and the bravery of all those involved.

How you can help

To help us on this journey we need to buy a brand-new high security case to enable us to put the medals on display and tell this important story. The case needs to be appropriate for the medals, ensuring we can maintain their condition and needs to be highly secure given the rarity and historic value of the medals.

We need your help to raise the funds to buy the new case and spread the word of our fundraising campaign, so that more people can learn about the bravery of Captain Stephen Beattie and all those involved.

SUPPORT THE CAMPAIGN

Bringing the Beattie Medals Home FAQs:

What is this campaign for?

We’re raising funds for a new, secure, display case for Captain Stephen Beattie’s medals, including his Victoria Cross, awarded for his part in the St Nazaire Raid. Once the case is built, the medals can go on safe, display at National Maritime Museum Cornwall.

Why does this matter?

The St Nazaire Raid (Operation Chariot) is known as one of the most daring operations of the Second World War, and the men who carried it out set sail from Falmouth. Beattie later made Cornwall his home, and spent his final years here. We already care for objects relating to the raid and to Beattie’s personal life; bringing his medals home completes that collection, in the place where his story truly belongs.

Who was Captain Stephen Beattie?

Stephen Halden Beattie commanded HMS Campbeltown, the ship packed with explosives and rammed into the St Nazaire dock gates at the heart of the St Nazaire Raid. He was awarded the Victoria Cross, not only for his own bravery, but on behalf of all the brave men who took part, many of whom didn’t come home. Beattie was captured and remained a Prisoner of War until April 1945, only physically receiving his Victoria Cross once he left captivity. He was also awarded the French Legion d’honneur and Croix de Guerre for his role in the raid. He was promoted to Commander in 1945 and then Captain in 1951. He retired in 1960 and later passed away at his home in Cornwall in 1975.

Why is the timing of the campaign important?

28 March 2027 marks the 85th anniversary of the St Nazaire Raid. Funds raised will be used for purchasing the case and getting the medals safely on display in time to mark that milestone.

Where will the money go?

Every penny raised through the crowdfunder goes towards the display case and this campaign. National Maritime Museum Cornwall is an independent charity and museum, so we receive no regular government funding. Our admission fees and Gift Aid donations cover our day-to-day running costs and operations, which is why we’re crowdfunding for this special project.

Why does an independent charity need to crowdfund for this?

As a charity, our core funding keeps the Museum open and running day to day, it doesn’t stretch to major projects like a bespoke, secure display case.

How does this fit with National Maritime Museum Cornwall's mission?

Our mission is to protect and conserve Cornish maritime history and Cornwall’s global connections. This project tells the story of Falmouth and Cornwall’s role in one of the most remarkable operations of the Second World War and honours the men who carried it out.

How will the funds be used?

We want to be clear about our costs, so you know exactly what your donation will be used for. The target amount of £29,151 will be used for:

Display case: £22,428 for a specialist museum case from a manufacturer, covering design, manufacture and installation.
Interpretation labels and panels: £1,200 for labels and display panels so Museum visitors can discover the story of the St Nazaire Raid, Captain Stephen Beattie, and all those involved.
Campaign costs: £5,023 Running a crowdfunding campaign brings additional costs for a registered charity like ours. We’re aiming to raise extra funds to cover these directly, so the campaign has as little financial impact on the Museum as possible. This covers platform fees, photography of the medals, image licensing, and video production. We want the photography and films we create to have a legacy well beyond the campaign itself.

How can I help?

Every donation big or small, brings us closer to bringing Beattie’s medals home.

You can:

Donate to the campaign
Share the campaign with friends, family and wider networks to help us spread the word

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National Maritime Museum
Cornwall Trust
Discovery Quay
Falmouth
Cornwall
TR11 3QY

Tel: +44(0)1326 313388

Email: enquiries@nmmc.co.uk