William Beatson served for over 2.5 years in Northwest Europe before going to Palestine. He was reported Missing In Action in March 1945 after getting separated from his unit.

He died from gunshot wounds in Palestine. "Cause of Death: At 21:40 hours on the 28th June Police were informed by an anonymous telephone call in English that shooting had occurred in Allenby Road, Tel Aviv. On investigation it appeared that some fifteen shots had been fired at four British soldiers who were walking along the street. Three of the four died of their wounds, the fourth was less seriously wounded. (Source: www.roll-of-honour.com)"