Advertisement

Pvt John Betts

Advertisement

Pvt John Betts

Birth
Death
3 Sep 1915
Burial
Stockport, Metropolitan Borough of Stockport, Greater Manchester, England Add to Map
Memorial ID
View Source
Private, J, 15294, Hampshire Regiment. 3 September 1915. Grave Ref. Screen Wall. War Plot.

Transcript of newspaper article of the time

Private John Betts (15294), 2nd Battallion Hampshire Regiment, Expeditionary Force. He was among thosr wounded at Gallipoli, in the Dardanelles and was drafted straight to Hollywood School, Military Hospital, Stockport on Friday week, August 27th. the authorities and medical staff there did all they could for the wounded soldier, but he past away, from the effects of the wounds recieved, last Thursday, September 2nd. His age was 45 years.

An impressive military funeral was given the deceased soldier to-day (Monday) at Willow Grove Cemetary, an escort of about 46 men of the Cheshire and R.A.M.C lining up outside the hospital, under the command of Sergeant Smith - (R.A.M.C) assisted by Corporal Casey in charge of the hospitaln deputation, and the first party under Sergeant Dayton, with a couple buglers.

The cortege was preceeded by the firing party, the coffins containging the remains of the late Private Betts, covered with a Union Jack, bein conveyed in an open Windsor car, and surmounted by floral tributes. One brougham followed, conveying, as mourners, as the following paitients of the deceased Private, and as representing the hospital:- Private Criddon, 1st Royal Dublin Fusiliers: Corporal Harrop, 7th Lancashire Fusiliers: private jackson 17th Manchester Regiment: Private Stokes, 2nd K.O.R.L regiment. Bearers walked on either side of the funeral car, and the firing party carried their arms with reversed. Traffic was held up in Princess Street and other parts, while the precession passed, and every respect was paid to the memory of the deceased soldier.

The Rev.J.H Thorpe, B.D, millitary chaplain met the coffin at the Cemetary at Willow Grove and officiated holding a short service in the church and at the grave side. In a brief address the Rev. Gentlenmen reminded the men present that they were gathered there to pay a last tribute to the fallen soldier. who had laid down his live for his country.
if there was on thing which the present war had brought about in their own lives, it was the knowledge of the glory attatched to laying down their lives for their King and their country. They did not perhaps realise all that so well in times of peace, or before the war broke out. let them think of the thousands of their own countrymen - many more boys - who were doing this week by week, and remember that when the call came the same was expected of each one of them. As true soldiers. They were fighting for Liberty, Righteousnous and Peace, and it was for them all to try and uphold the same, even at the forfeit of their lives. As brothers in arms they were paying their last tribute of respect fore him who had met with his death, and it mattered not wether a soldier "be a duke's son or a cook's son." it was a duty expected of one and all.

A sister and a nurse from the hospital were present at the church attending the funeral in their uniforms, unofficially. But out of respect for the deceased soldier.

The remains were placed in a private grave provided for the purpose of military internments, and the grave was dsraped with violet cloth. Private John Betts now lies by the side of the Belgian Private who was imported some time back.

A very handsome large floral cross was sent bearing the inscription "A token of regard for services rendered in King and country, from N.C.O.'s and men R.A.M.O, and general staff at the Hollywood Hospital". Another floral tribute bore the inscription "in memory of John Betts who died foe his country. Madge Hulme." Three other large bunches of flowers were noticed, but were without any inscriptions. At the close of the commital service by the rev. military chaplain, the firing party fired the usual three volleys, and "The Last Post." sounded by the bugles, was effectively given, at some little distance from the grave.

The funeral arrangements were carried out by Mr George Meredith of St Wellington road South, Stockport.
Private, J, 15294, Hampshire Regiment. 3 September 1915. Grave Ref. Screen Wall. War Plot.

Transcript of newspaper article of the time

Private John Betts (15294), 2nd Battallion Hampshire Regiment, Expeditionary Force. He was among thosr wounded at Gallipoli, in the Dardanelles and was drafted straight to Hollywood School, Military Hospital, Stockport on Friday week, August 27th. the authorities and medical staff there did all they could for the wounded soldier, but he past away, from the effects of the wounds recieved, last Thursday, September 2nd. His age was 45 years.

An impressive military funeral was given the deceased soldier to-day (Monday) at Willow Grove Cemetary, an escort of about 46 men of the Cheshire and R.A.M.C lining up outside the hospital, under the command of Sergeant Smith - (R.A.M.C) assisted by Corporal Casey in charge of the hospitaln deputation, and the first party under Sergeant Dayton, with a couple buglers.

The cortege was preceeded by the firing party, the coffins containging the remains of the late Private Betts, covered with a Union Jack, bein conveyed in an open Windsor car, and surmounted by floral tributes. One brougham followed, conveying, as mourners, as the following paitients of the deceased Private, and as representing the hospital:- Private Criddon, 1st Royal Dublin Fusiliers: Corporal Harrop, 7th Lancashire Fusiliers: private jackson 17th Manchester Regiment: Private Stokes, 2nd K.O.R.L regiment. Bearers walked on either side of the funeral car, and the firing party carried their arms with reversed. Traffic was held up in Princess Street and other parts, while the precession passed, and every respect was paid to the memory of the deceased soldier.

The Rev.J.H Thorpe, B.D, millitary chaplain met the coffin at the Cemetary at Willow Grove and officiated holding a short service in the church and at the grave side. In a brief address the Rev. Gentlenmen reminded the men present that they were gathered there to pay a last tribute to the fallen soldier. who had laid down his live for his country.
if there was on thing which the present war had brought about in their own lives, it was the knowledge of the glory attatched to laying down their lives for their King and their country. They did not perhaps realise all that so well in times of peace, or before the war broke out. let them think of the thousands of their own countrymen - many more boys - who were doing this week by week, and remember that when the call came the same was expected of each one of them. As true soldiers. They were fighting for Liberty, Righteousnous and Peace, and it was for them all to try and uphold the same, even at the forfeit of their lives. As brothers in arms they were paying their last tribute of respect fore him who had met with his death, and it mattered not wether a soldier "be a duke's son or a cook's son." it was a duty expected of one and all.

A sister and a nurse from the hospital were present at the church attending the funeral in their uniforms, unofficially. But out of respect for the deceased soldier.

The remains were placed in a private grave provided for the purpose of military internments, and the grave was dsraped with violet cloth. Private John Betts now lies by the side of the Belgian Private who was imported some time back.

A very handsome large floral cross was sent bearing the inscription "A token of regard for services rendered in King and country, from N.C.O.'s and men R.A.M.O, and general staff at the Hollywood Hospital". Another floral tribute bore the inscription "in memory of John Betts who died foe his country. Madge Hulme." Three other large bunches of flowers were noticed, but were without any inscriptions. At the close of the commital service by the rev. military chaplain, the firing party fired the usual three volleys, and "The Last Post." sounded by the bugles, was effectively given, at some little distance from the grave.

The funeral arrangements were carried out by Mr George Meredith of St Wellington road South, Stockport.

Gravesite Details

Wall


Sponsored by Ancestry

Advertisement

  • Created by: Willow Grove War Graves
  • Added: Mar 31, 2012
  • Find a Grave Memorial ID:
  • Find a Grave, database and images (https://www.findagrave.com/memorial/87781826/john-betts: accessed ), memorial page for Pvt John Betts (unknown–3 Sep 1915), Find a Grave Memorial ID 87781826, citing Willow Grove Cemetery, Stockport, Metropolitan Borough of Stockport, Greater Manchester, England; Maintained by Willow Grove War Graves (contributor 47763165).