Source: Michael Doyle Their Name Liveth For Evermore: The Great War Roll of Honour for Leicestershire and Rutland.
He was the son of William Henry Beckall, a coal miner, born 1862 in Fareham, Hampshire and his wife Mary Ann Beckall (nee Horrobin, married in the 4th quarter of 1882 in the Loughborough, Leicestershire district), born 1864 in Belton, Leicestershire. Samuel was born in the 1st quarter of 1898 in Belton, his siblings were, William, a colliery worker, born 1883, Eliza, a seamstress, born 1886 and Alfred George, a farm plough boy, born 1887, the latter three siblings were all born in Belton, Fanny, a schoolgirl, born 1888 and Thomas, a schoolboy, born 1890, the latter two siblings were both born in Whitwick, Leicestershire, Martha Ann, a schoolgirl, born 1892, Joseph, born 1896 and Ambrose, born 1899 the latter three siblings were all born in Belton and Mary Ann, born 1901 in Whitwick, in March 1901 the family home was at Long Street, Belton, Leicestershire. In April 1911 Samuel was a schoolboy and was residing in the family home at Sadler Wells, Belton, Leicestershire, together with his father a colliery worker, his mother and siblings, William, a colliery worker, George, a farm labourer, Thomas a lime quarry worker, Martha a hosiery trade worker, Ambrose, a schoolboy, Joseph, a schoolboy and Mary Ann, a schoolgirl. Samuel was recorded at birth with the surname spelling of Bickill, however the birth registrations of his siblings had the following surname derivatives Beckell, Beckill, Beckel, Beckhill and Beccles, Samuel’s name appears upon the village war memorial as Beccles, his medal index card records the surname Beccles and the CWGC records his surname as Beccles, it therefore appears that although the surname spelling of Beckall appears to be the most commonly used family surname by his parents on the census returns, Samuel must have enlisted under the surname of Beccles. Samuels father was officially recorded at birth with the surname spelling of Bickell.
The War Diary records: 29 Nov-17 – MARCOING. Enemy shelling heavy all day, but casualties light. Men remained under cover. Much needed rest.
The War Diary records: 30 Nov-17 – MARCOING. Orders received about 9.00am to move out of MARCOING to a sunken road behind the copse on the MARCOING – MASNIERES ROAD. As the Battalion was about to move information was received that the enemy had attacked and were then on the outskirts of MARCOING. The Battalion, with the remainder of the Brigade, moved out of the high ground overlooking the CANAL valley, and drove the enemy back by a vigorous counter attack. Consolidation of a line then commenced, and by 8.00pm the Battalion was dug in, all four Companies being in front line, with 1st KING’S OWN SCOTTISH BORDERERS on Right and in support, and remainder of 88th Brigade on Left. No further enemy attack during night.

Source: Leicestershire War Memorials Project.
Coalville Times article - Friday January 18th, 1918.

LOCAL CASUALITES

Pte. Samuel Beccles, of the Worcestershire Regiment, has been killed in action. His father, Mr H. Beccles resides at Belton. This is the seventh man from the village of Belton to lose his life in the war, and there are about 50 serving. The Vicar made suitable reference to the sad event at the Parish Church on Sunday. Appropriate hymns were sung, and the “Dead March” was played by Mr H. Smith, organist.

Research undertaken and submitted by Andy Murby. 6/1/2018