James Beard was the son of Frederick Bennett Beard and of Kathrine Beard (nee Doring), of Wellington, New Zealand. Mother's maiden name incorrectly spelt as Doran on the Commonwealth War Graves Commission website.

Bombardier J. G. Beard, MM; born NZ 10 Jun 1918; labourer; killed in action 2 Nov 1942. (Source: Murphy, W.E. 2nd NZ Divisional Artillery. p.325.)

'The 5 Brigade area, which had seemed in the beginning most vulnerable to attack, was never directly threatened; but it suffered heavy shelling, directed mainly at the 5th Field guns. The gun positions had little or no protection and inevitably some guns and vehicles were hit. One gun, under Sergeant Hoare, suffered damage and its trailer and ammunition were set on fire. Hoare rallied his men, put out the fire, and started to repair the gun. The shelling continued and he was forced to withdraw until it abated. Then he went back and brought the gun into action again. Bombardier Beard of 28 Battery was wounded, but stayed with his men. A lorry was set on fire and ammunition on it kept exploding, endangering nearby lorries. Beard collected some gunners and with them unloaded ammunition from these other lorries, regardless of the violent explosions close at hand. For the rest of the day he was tireless and selfless in his determination to keep the guns supplied with ammunition. Both Hoare and Beard were awarded the MM.' (Source: Murphy, W.E. 2nd NZ Divisional Artillery. p. 325.) AWMM