[1] Beal was 35 years old, and a temporary second lieutenant in 13th Battalion, The Yorkshire Regiment (Alexandra, Princess of Wales's Own), British Army during the First World War, and was awarded the Victoria Cross for his actions on 21/22 March 1918 at St-Léger, France.

For most conspicuous bravery and determined leading when in command of a company detailed to occupy a certain section of trench.

[1] His Victoria Cross is displayed at the Green Howards Museum, Richmond, North Yorkshire, England.

[4] Additionally, he is named on the panels commemorating the fallen from the First World War in the hall of Brighton, Hove and Sussex Sixth Form College, for alumni of the preceding institution, Brighton, Hove and Sussex Grammar School.

A gold locket containing Beale's portrait and decorated with a Victoria Cross emblem was shown by his great-nephew, in an episode of Antiques Roadshow in December 2021.