Personal
At the railway goods office on Saturday Mr A. Beekman was the recipient of a marble clock, suitably inscribed, on the occasion of his marriage. Mr Wallace made the presentation. -Evening Star, 12/11/1897.
Volunteer Intelligence (excerpt)
The following promotions were announced: Lance-sergeant Tonkin and Corporal Lacey to be sergeants, and Engineers Beekman and Jacobs to be lance-corporals. -Evening Star, 23/3/1899.
VOLUNTEER INTELLIGENCE.
On Wednesday evening the Engineers held a commanding officer's inspection at the Garrison Hall, when there was a good turnout of all ranks. At the conclusion of the drill it was announced that Lance-corporals A. Beekman and J. Jacob, who sat the recent non-commissioned officers' examination had passed with highly satisfactory results in both infantry drill and signalling work and had gained sergeants' certificates of proficiency, which were handed to them. -Evening Star, 17/6/1899.
DUNEDIN ENGINEERS FAREWELL THEIR REPRESENTATIVES.
The Dunedin Engineer Corps had a full gathering at the European Hotel last evening, when they met for the purpose of according a send-off to their comrades who are going to South Africa as members of the Ninth New Zealand Contingent. Captain Barclay was in the chair, and was supported by Surgeon-major Will, Lieutinants Ross, Midgley, and Lacey (of the Engineer Corps), and Captain Churchill and Lieutenants Beekman and Matthewson (of the Engineer Cadets). An apology for nonattendance was received from Major Real, who was unfortunately absent from Dunedin. Sergeant Bryant was vice-chairman. The guests of the evening were Captain-adjutant Nicolson, Sergeants H. Baird and F. Ivimey, and Troopers F. Aburn, J. Clarke. T. MacLean, J. B. McNaught, and J. Rider.
The Chairman, in proposing the toast of “Our Comrades with the Ninth," said that it was not the first occasion upon which they had met for the purpose of farewelling those from the Engineers who were on the eve of departure for active service in Smith Africa, but be felt sure that it was the hope of all of them that it might be the last occasion — not that one of them objected to seeing their comrades go forth when their services were required. On the contrary, they rejoiced to find that they had been ready and willing to bear a hand in upholding the flag; but they all hoped that the necessity for their services would soon cease, and the war be a thing of the past. The Engineers had been represented in the Second, Fourth, Sixth, Seventh, Eighth, and Ninth Contingents, and, including one representative from the cadets, they were sending eight with the Ninth. It was gratifying to find that two of their comrades had already obtained sergeants’ rank. Sergeant Baird, he felt, sure, owed in no small degree his promotion to the training which he had received as a non-com, and as secretary of the Dunedin Engineers, and he felt sure that as orderly room sergeant he would faithfully discharge his duties. Sergeant Ivimey had been one of their representatives at the opening of the Federal Parliament in Melbourne last year, and he also had been deserving of promotion. He expressed the hope, on behalf of all present, that their comrades would pass safely through all the dangers attendant upon active service, that their acquaintance with a South African hospital might be confined to an outside view, and that they might have the pleasure of welcoming them back at a no distant date. The toast was drank with musical honors, followed by the Engineers’ war-cry.
Replying to the toast, Captain Nicolson thanked the Engineers for their handsome send-off. This was not the first occasion upon which he had been their guest, and he could tell them that he intended to remain an engineer officer as long as the authorities permitted him to do so.
Sergeant Baird said that it was very trying parting from so many old friends. He owed his promotion to the training he had received in the Dunedin Engineers, and when he returned from South Africa he would gladly don the old uniform once more.
The other members of the Contingent also replied in a few words.
Each guest was then the recipient of a small souvenir from the corps. Captain Nicolson receiving a sovereign case, Sergeant Baird a sovereign belt and matchbox, Trooper Rider a razor case, and the others pipes and cigarette cases.
During the evening a number of toasts were honored, amongst the number being one “To the Memory of Our Gallant Dead," which was drunk silently, the bugles sounding the “Last Post.” Songs, etc., were contributed by Captain Nicolson, Lieutenants Beekman and Matthewson, Sergeants Flynn and Dredge, Corporals Bragg, Mulligan, McNeil. Sergeant Ivimey, Ex-sergeant Barton, Sapper Edgeworth, and others. -Evening Star, 8/3/1902.
The appointment of Mr Antoine Beekman as postmaster and telegraphist at Kurow is gazetted. -Oamaru Mail, 13/1/1903.
Valedictory Social at Otepopo
(From Our Own Correspondent.) On Friday evening the many friends of Mr Beekman met in the Athenaeum Hall to bid him farewell. When it became known that Mr Beekman was under orders to transfer to Dunedin, it was deemed advisable to show the esteem in which he is held by the residents by tendering him a social and presenting him with a tangible mark of their appreciation. Arrangements were carried out by an energetic committee, the crowded state of the hall bearing ample testimony to their labor and to the popularity of the guest of the evening. Mr Anthony Paterson presided, and a splendid vocal and instrumental performance was carried through.
During an interval the chairman, in a felicitous speech eulogising the good qualities and business ability of their guest, presented him with a well-filled purse of sovereigns as a mark of the high esteem in which Mr and Mrs Beekman are held.
Mr Beekman very feelingly returned thanks for the honor that had been done to himself and family. He said that what he had done had been done from a sense of duty, and it was a pleasure to him to know that the Otepopo public had appreciated his endeavors to do his duty to the department and to them. He felt deeply the honor that had been conferred upon him.
The Rev. Mr Mclvor added his testimony to what the chairman had said. He expressed his pleasure at Mr Beekman's promotion, his earnest wish for his future success and higher promotion, which he very specially deserved.
Light refreshments were handed round, after which an "ingleside" was formed and social converse was the order of the evening, which was terminated by the vociferous singing of "For he's a jolly good fellow" and ringing cheers for Mr and Mrs Beekman and family. -Oamaru Mail, 29/4/1907.
At the Railway Station on Saturday evening a large number of railwaymen met to make a presentation to Mr A. Beekman, chief parcels clerk, who has been appointed captain in the Field Engineer Company, which is being formed at Trentham. Mr H. Macandrew (district engineer), who is also lieutenant-colonel of the South Island Battalion of Railway Engineers, presided. Glowing references were made to Mr Beekman's past work as a railway officer, and as a captain of a Railway Company of Engineers, and he was asked to accept a purse of sovereigns as an evidence of goodwill from his comrades. Messrs A. K. Harris, E. Dobbie, S. Branson, R. McCracken, J. R. Grant, and T. M. Lucy also spoke of their appreciation of the guest of the evening, and wished hiin God-speed and a safe return. Mr Beekman, in replying, thanked his friends for their good wishes and handsome present. He stated that it was now 22 years since he first took an interest in military affairs, when he joined the Dunedin Engineers. The gentleman whom he was now to serve under (Major G. Barclay) was then second lieutenant of the Dunedin Engineers, and he was proud to be associated with such an experienced and capable officer. Those assembled then sang "For He's a Jolly Good Fellow," and gave rousing cheers for Mr and Mrs Beekman. Captain Beekman left for the north by the second express yesterday. -Otago Daily Times, 16/2/1915.
CAPTAIN BEEKMAN INVALIDED HOME.
Captain Beekman, of the 4th Reinforcements is returning, invalided to New Zealand, by the Willochra. -Otago Daily Times, 6/7/1915.
AT TRENTHAM
The Mounted Rifles of the 9th Reinforcements proceeded from Trentham Camp to Tauherenikau by train to-day.
A branch of the Public Trust Office has been established in Trentham Camp, making out soldiers' wills free of charge.
Capt. A. Beekman has been appointed temporary Field Engineer Instructor. -Evening Post, 22/10/1915.
A BOMB EXPLODES.
FATALITY AT TRENTHAM.
CAPTAIN BEEKMAN KILLED.
ANOTHER OFFICER INJURED.
Press Association. WELLINGTON, June 15. When the House of Representatives met to-night, the Hon. James Allen, Minister of Defence, said it was his painful duly to announce to members that an unfortunate accident had happened that afternoon at Trentham Military Camp. He had received an official report from General Robin on the mishap, which he read to the House as follows: — "At the close of instruction in trench warfare this afternoon, when bomb-throwing with sabulite balls was in progress, one unfortunately exploded while it was still in the act of being thrown in the hands of Captain Beekman, chief instructor of engineers at the camp. Lieut. Bale, late of the Royal Engineers, assistant instructor, and Sergeant-Major Instructor Gamage were in the same portion of the trench.
"Captain Beekman and Lieut. Bale were injured, and Captain Beekman has since died of his injuries. Lieut. Bale, it is hoped, will resume duty in a few days. Sergeant-Major Gamage was not hurt.
"There is no blame attachable to anyone. The bombs were in good order, and it was one of those unfortunate accidents which cannot be avoided in dealing with bombs, and is incidental to training as well as to active service, and is not an uncommon occurrence in the bombing schools in France and England.
HOW IT HAPPENED. Injuries which led to his death within an hour were inflicted on Captain A. Beekman, New Zealand Engineers, while he was taking part in a demonstration of bomb-throwing and trench fighting at Trentham Camp this afternoon. The demonstration was arranged as part of the training of the 11th Reinforcement, who were drawn up in the vicinity for instructional purposes. Among the visitors witnessing the demonstration were the Governor and Lady Liverpool, General Sir Alfred Robin (Commandant), Colonel Gibbon (Chief of General Staff). Major Sleeman (Assistant-Director of Military Training), Captain Sir Robert Walker (Assistant-Military Instructor), and a number of other Staff officers. The operations were directed by Major Sleeman, who has had experience of trench fighting and bombthrowing on the front in Flanders. Under him were three instructors Captain T. Beekman, New Zealand Engineers, Chief Engineering Instructor; Lieut. Bale, late warrant officer, Royal Engineers; and SergeantMajor Gamage, ex-non-commissioned officer, Royal Engineers. At about 3.30 o'clock Captain Beekman prepared to throw a sabulite high explosive bomb, similar to those being used in the trenches at the front. It had a 15-seconds fuse, which Captain Beekman had set and lit. Evidently he held the bomb too long in his hand before throwing it, for it exploded (probably in his hand), and mortally wounded him. Lieut. Bale was wounded, though not seriously, and Sergeant-Major Gamage escaped without injury.
FURTHER DETAILS. "Captain Beekman was second in command of the Engineer Company that was largely drawn from the New Zealand Railways, and went to the front under Lieut.-Colonel Barclay. Since his return to New Zealand some months ago, he had been chief instructor to the Engineer reinforcements at Treatham, and was carrying out part of his duties when the unfortunate accident occurred."
The Minister added that Captain Beekman was called up for duty at Trentham. He leaves a widow (who is at present very ill) and three children, the eldest daughter being 20 years of age.
Members listened to the reading of the report with marked evidence of regret.
The Governor, General Robin, and Colonel Gibbon were in the traverse about 50 yards away watching operations. They immediately went to the assistance of the wounded instructors, and did all they could for them. Captain Beekman was attended to by the camp doctors, but he died about an hour later. Lieut. Bale was brought into town and taken to the General Hospital. Captain Beekman was invalided back from Egypt on account of sunstroke eight months ago. He was reported fit for home duty, and was given the position of Chief Engineering Instructor. Lieut. Bale was brought out from Home as an instructor, and had been in camp for a considerable period. He was recently promoted second- lieutenant on probation for the period of the war. Sergeant-Major Gamage holds the position of Temporary Instructor at Trentham during the continuance of the war. This fatality is the only one which has happened at Trentham since the camp was established there, though accidents with bombs are fairly frequent in the trenches, as the casualties have shown.
FURTHER PARTICULARS. [From our own Parliamentary Reporter.) WELLINGTON, June 16. Lieut. Bale, U.K., came to New Zealand some years ago as a sergeant-major attached to the New Zealand Permanent Staff. Up till the time of the war breaking out, he was occupied in instructional work with the Field Engineers, much of his time being spent with the No. 4 (Wellington) Company. -Sun, 16/6/1916.
TRAGEDY AT TRENTHAM.
EXPLOSION OF A BOMB.
DEATH OF CAPTAIN BEEKMAN.
WELLINGTON, June 15. Injuries which led to death within an hour were inflicted on Captain A. Beekman, of the New Zealand Engineers, while he was taking part in a demonstration of bomb-throwing and trench fighting at Trentham this afternoon.
The demonstration was arranged as part of the training of the Fourteenth Reinforcements, who were drawn up in the vicinity for instructional purposes. Among the visitors witnessing the demonstration were the Governor and Lady Liverpool, General Sir Alfred Robin (Commandant), Colonel Gibbon (Chief of the General Staff), Major Sleeman (Assistant Director of Military Training), Captain Sir Robert Walker (Assistant Military Instructor), and a number of other staff officers. The operations were directed by Major Sleeman, who has had experience of trench fighting and bomb-throwing on the front in Flanders. Under him were three instructors — Captain Beekman (Chief Engineering Instructor), Lieutenant Bale (late Warrant Officer in the Royal Engineers), and Sergeant-major Gamage (ex-non-commissioned officer in the Royal Engineers).
About 3.30 Captain Beekman prepared to throw a fabulite high explosive bomb similar to those being used in the trenches at the front. It had a 15 seconds fuse, which Captain Beekman had set and lit. Evidently he held the bomb too long in his hand before throwing, for it exploded (probably in his hand), and mortally wounded him.
Lieutenant Bale was wounded, though not seriously.
Sergeant-major Gamage escaped unhurt.
The Governor, General Robin, and Colonel Gibbon were in a traverse about 50 yards away watching operations. They immediately went to the assistance of the wounded instructors, and did all they could for them.
Captain Beekman was attended to by camp doctors, but died about an hour later.
Lieutenant Bale was brought into town and taken to the General Hospital.
Captain Beekman was a member of the New Zealand Railway Engineers, and went away with one of the early reinforcement drafts under Lieutenant-colonel Barclay. From Egypt he was invalided home on account of sunstroke. Eight months ago ho was reported fit for home duty, and was given the position of chief engineering instructor.
Lieutenant Bale was brought out from Home as an instructor, and has been in camp for a considerable period. He was recently promoted second lieutenant on probation for the period of the war.
Sergeant-major Gamage holds the position of temporary instructor at Trentham during the continuance of the war.
This fatality is the only one which has happened at Trentham since the camp was established there, though accidents with be bs are fairly frequent in the trenches, as reports and casualty lists have shown.
Fabulite high explosive bombs are made in Auckland. Some months ago they were subjected to a test at one of the forts here, and passed through it very successfully. They explode with tremendous force.
When the House of Representatives met tonight, the Hon. Mr Allen (Minister of Defence) said it was his painful duty to announce that an unfortunate accident had happened that afternoon at Trentham. He had an official report from General Robin on the mishap, which he proceeded to read to the House as follows: — "At the close of instruction in trench warfare this afternoon, when bomb-throwing with fabulite bombs was in progress, one unfortunately exploded whilst still in the act of being thrown by Captain Beekman (Chief Instructor of Engineers at the Camp). Lieutenant Bale, late of the Royal Engineers (Assistant instructor), with Sergeant-major Instructor Gammage were in the same portion of the trench. Captain Beekman and Lieutenant Bale were injured, and Captain Beekman has, unfortunately, since died of his injuiries. Lieutenant Bale, it is hoped, will resume duty in a few days. Sergeant-major Gamage was unhurt. There is no blame attachable to anyone. The bombs were in good order, and it was one of those unfortunate accidents which cannot be avoided in dealing with bombs, and which is incidental to training as well as to active service, and is not an uncommon occurrence in the bombing schools in France and England. Captain Beekman was second in command of the Engineer Company that was largely drawn from the New Zealand railways, and went to the front under Lieutenant-colonel Barclay. Since his return to New Zealand some five months ago he has been chief instructor to the engineer reinforcements at Trentham, and was carrying out part of his duties when the unfortunate accident occurred."
The Minister added that Captain Beekman was called up for duty at Trentham. He leaves a wife and three children, the eldest being a daughter 20 years of age. Members listened to the reading of the report with marked evidence of regret.
ACCIDENTAL DEATH. WELLINGTON, June 17. At the inquest on the body of Captain Beekman the verdict was that death resulted from shock following injuries received while bomb-throwing, no blame being attachable to anyone.
THE FUNERAL. The remains of the late Captain Beekman were interred on Sunday afternoon at the Northern Cemetery with full military honours. The cortege left the deceased's home in Union street at 2.30 p.m., headed by the band of the Fourth Regiment. The coffin was mounted on a gun carriage drawn by four horses, provided by the Central Battery. It was draped with the Union Jack, on the top of which were the deceased's sword, helmet, and his Masonic regalia, as well as a number of beautiful wreaths. Then came Colonel J. Cowie Nichols, V.D. (representing his Excellency the Governor), Colonel E. R. Smith (representing General Sir Alfred Robin), Captain W. M. Bell (assistant camp adjutant at Trentham, who represented the Minister of Defence and Trentham camp), and Captain Cooper and the staff officers of the Railway Engineers, of which the deceased was formerly a member, a good muster of Anzacs, the Fifth Mounted Rifles, the B Battery, No. 2 Company Field Engineers, the Fourth Regiment, Divisional Signal Company, 8th Company A.S.C., 10th Company A.S.C., and No. 2 Company Field Ambulance. Then came the mourning carriages, and one occupied by the Hon. G. W. Russell (representing the National Government), and members of the Masonic and Oddfellows' orders. The procession, which marched to the strains of the "Dead March," played by the band of the 4th Regiment, reached the Northern Cemetery shortly before 3 p.m. On arrival at the cemetery the troops formed up in close column at the foot of the grave, the firing party from the Railway Engineers on the left of the grave, with the band at the rear of the procession. Chaplain R. E. Davies conducted a short service at the graveside, and then gave way to W. Bro. Cayzer. of Lodge Otago, No. 844, E.C., who conducted the Masonic ceremony, and R.W. Bro. T. S. Graham, of the English Constitution, performed the final portion of the service. The Masonic choir sang "Days and Moments Quickly Flying," and the deceased's regalia was buried with him, and each member deposited a cassia sprig in the grave in accordance with Masonic form. The benediction was pronounced by R.W. Bro. T. S. Graham
Captain Antonie Beekman, who met his death under tragic circumstances at Wellington on Thursday, was born on May 7, 1874. He joined the Railway Department on March 1, 1891, as a cadet under the late Mr S. J. Loring, goods agent, at Dunedin. He was transferred to Waipahi in August, 1894, for a short period, and then returned to the goods department, Dunedin. He was located at Oamaru for two years, and was then attached to the traffic superintendent's office in Dunedin as record clerk and relieving officer. In September, 1903, he was appointed stationmaster at Herbert, in succession to Mr W. O. Ennis, now in France on active service with the New Zealand Forces. After spending three years and a half at Herbert, he returned to the head office in Dunedin, where he was located for a little over two years. Subsequently he was stationmaster at Southbridge (Canterbury), and when promoted in 1910 took up the position of chief clark in the parcels department at Dunedin, which appointment he held up to the time of his leaving for active service in March, 1915. -Otago Witness, 21/6/1916.
PARS ABOUT PEOPLE
CAPTAIN BEEKMAN, who was killed at Trentham last Thursday week by the premature bursting of a bomb, was a good soldier, a good officer and a good fellow: He hailed from Dunedin, and went to Egypt with the first Engineer's draft. But the sun there got him unawares, and he went down with sunstroke, returning to duty at Trentham five months ago. Since then he has been chief instructor of Engineers, with Lieutenant Bale as his assistant. Bale, who was severely, but not mortally, wounded by the explosion, saw service in Gallipoli. At the time of the explosion some of the Fourteenth Reinforcements had concluded trench warfare training, and Lord and Lady Liverpool were to be shown something extra by the two officers. Opinions differ as to whether Captain Beekman held the sybilite ball too long in his hand, or whether the fuse was defective. At any rate, the vice-regal party saw the real thing, worse luck. Sir Alfred Robin and Colonel Gibbon were close at hand, too, with camp commandant Colonel Potter. All had quite narrow escapes. But these things, of course, must be in war time, and Beekman died for his country just as though an enemy bullet had laid him low. His body was taken to Dunedin, where his wife and three children mourn their loss. The camp staff was represented at his funeral, which was a full military one, by Captain Bell, assistant camp adjutant. -Observer, 24/6/1916.
SCENE AT A FUNERAL
The conduct of a good number of people who attended the funeral of the late Captain Beekman at Dunedin was anything but seemly. When the procession was in progress young men and women were seen dashing from side to side of Castle street without the slightest evidence of respect for anyone. At the cemetery they crowded on top of graves and tombstones without the slightest compunction, and from their conduct it might have been inferred that they were witnessing some entertainment instead of paying the last tribute of respect to a brave soldier who had given his life for King and country. -Pahiatua Herald, 26/6/1916.
SCENE AT THE GRAVESIDE OF THE LATE CAPTAIN BEEKMAN. A FELLOW SOLDIER SOUNDING THE LAST POST. -Otago Witness, 28/6/1916.
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