Bruce McNeil Beith

Bruce Beith was born in Mudgee, N.S.W.  He attended Barker College and then Sydney University where he studied medicine and had completed his medical studies before enlisting.

At enlistment Bruce was single, 23 years old and worked as a doctor at Kiama, N.S.W. He had served 2 years with 37th Infantry Militia.  He embarked from Sydney on HMAT A17 Port Nicholson with Australian Army Medical Corps on 8th November 1916 and arrived in England on 10th January 1917.

On 7th March 1917 Bruce was posted to 15th Field Ambulance in France.  He saw service on the Western Front with 15th Field Ambulance and as Regimental Medical Officer for 57th Battalion annd 53rd Battalion. 

Bruce received a Mention in Despatches for his work at the end of 1918.

After the war ended he was granted leave from 15th May 1919 until 31st October 1919 to work at the Royal Infirmary.

He was returned to Australia as Regimental Medical Officer in November 1919 and discharged on 26th February 1920.

Bruce was a talented rugby player and played for Australia in 1920 against New Zealand.  He also played with the Army in England before returning home.

In 1925 he married Hannah Goodwin, and after her death married Winifred Allen in 1947.

Bruce was staying with friends at Chatswood to attend a rugby match when he suffered a heart attack and died just after the game in 1961.

Bruce's service is commemorated on the Kiama Memorial Arch and Honours Roll in N.S.W. 

Bruce's brother, Lieutenant Colonel John Beith, also served.