David Beddoes was born in West Ham in London on 8 July 1931, the son of Albert George Beddoes (a general labourer – heavy worker) and Jane Elizabeth Beddoes (née Lloyd) of 9, Wellington Street, West Ham. At the time the 1939 Register was taken in September, David Beddoes was not at home however, given that the family lived in London and that it was September 1939, he may well have been one of those ‘evacuated’ to the country for safety in case of bombing.

After the war and leaving school, David Beddoes joined the Royal Navy and was trained as a Steward. He also trained as a submariner and was drafted to HMS AFFRAY. He perished when AFFRAY was lost with all hands in the Hurd Deep.