William Betts
He was a labourer prior to enlisting
- Family History
- Military history
- Extra information
- Photographs
William Betts was born in 1877 at Tweksbury, Gloucestershire, he was the son of the late James a labourer and Harriett Betts néé Cunningham of 20 Bridge Street Long Eaton Derbyshire.
His father James was born in 1839 at Deddington, Oxfordshire, he died in 1915 at Derby he was aged 76 yrs, his mother Harriett Cunningham was born in 1853 at Derby they were married on 7th August 1870 at St Pauls Church, Derby, they went on to have 12 children, 6 of whom were to die in infancy or early childhood.
In the 1911 census the family are living at 34 Friar Street, Long Eaton, James 71 yrs is a labourer in a brass and bobbin factory, he is living with his wife Harriett 59 yrsd and their son William 34 yrs a carter.
Private William Betts enlisted on 14th August 1914 at Derby. he served with the 2nd battalion Sherwood Foresters Regiment he went to France 27th January 1915 and was killed in action, 15th June 1915, aged 38, whilst serving in the trenches near the Verlorenhoek Road near Ypres, Belgium.
Buried : Potijze Burial Ground Cemetery, Belgium. Row B1. Grave 17.
He is also commemorated on the Long Eaton Town Hall War Memorial, Long Eaton, Derbyshire.
additional research and information Peter Gillings
Photo of William Betts
Potijze Burial Ground Cemetery, France courtesy of the cwgc