The Diggers' Doctor

VALE

Donald Douglas BEARD AM ED RFD QHS MB BS FRCS (Eng) FRCS (Edin) FRACS

1925-2022

AMOSA is sad to hear of the passing of our friend Don Beard. Donald's military service over decades was immense. His knowledge unfathomable. He will be missed.

Donald Douglas Beard was born on 22nd February 1925 in the family home in Ashford Estate, South Australia; son of Harold Douglas Beard and Alison Mavis, nee Wright. Harold was a pay clerk at Keswick Barracks, later a taxation officer in Moonta and still later a journalist. Beard had an older sister Beryl and they were both educated in many different primary schools including Richmond, Moonta, Blackwood and others as his family moved around the State. They both attended Adelaide Technical High School, and then Beard went to Adelaide High School.

He had not contemplated studying medicine when he entered high school, but was encouraged to do so by his uncle, Jack Roland Stanley Grose Beard, an obstetrician and gynaecologist who had won a Military Cross in WWI. His uncle Jack remained a major influence in his life from both a medical and military perspective.

Beard, like many students of the time, undertook holiday work for pocket money, including work on the Lochiel salt lakes. He went on to study medicine at the University of Adelaide and his time at university allowed him to pursue his sporting aspirations, particularly cricket and baseball. He graduated MB BS in 1947, followed by one year as a junior Medical Officer in the Royal Adelaide Hospital.

Beard enlisted in the CMF in 1948 at the urging of Colonel J M Dwyer. Thus began a long and distinguished military career in the RAAMC until his retirement in 1992. 

Don served wih distinction overseas in Japan, Korea and Vietnam. On the day before he was to return to Australia from Japan, the war started in Korea in 1950. Beard immediately volunteered for service and was appointed RMO to 3rd Battalion RAR relinquishing his temporary rank of Major.

After travelling to Korea, with no instructions as to how to find the Battalion, he found himself hitching rides against the tide of soldiers as most units were heading south while he was going north.  Eventually he found the Battalion but he had developed pneumonia on his journey and was admitted to the Indian 16 Field Ambulance, recovering soon afterwards.  Beard was subsequently involved in the Battle of Kapyong on 24th April 1951 and by all reports performed outstandingly. 

Beard returned to 4th Military District in Adelaide on 4th January 1952 and was posted as RMO to the 13th Field Regiment.  He was selected as a member of the Australian Contingent for the coronation of Queen Elizabeth II [U1] , in 1953. 

One year after meeting Margaret Dunn, a 20 year old radiographer, they married, after which Margaret undertook voluntary work for Anglicare and St John Ambulance.  They had two boys and consequently four grand children.

Don Beard was known fo his immaculate dress, always with a flower, usually a rose, in his lapel. He continued to live in Norwood with his wife Margaret, until his passing.