Frank Betson

Frank enlisted in Lincoln in February 1916 and served with the 2/5th battalion West Yorkshire Regiment whilst he was taking part in the battle of Arras when he received a shrapnel wound to his head. He was eventually returned to England and was treated at a local Lincoln Hospital. He regained consciousness after a number of weeks but had a relapse and died. He was buried in Retford Cemetery (old portion) with full military honours , his coffin being placed upon a gun carriage drawn by six horses.

Pte Frank Betson Retford Times 11 May 1917 Another gallant Retford man has paid the great sacrifice, Pte Frank Betson, West Yorks, son of the late Mr Richard Betson, Grove Street, Retford, having died from wounds received in France in Lincoln Hospital on the 5th inst. The brave soldier was a native of Retford, and was well known and highly respected. He has a twin brother of Mr Richard Betson, the landlord of the Black Boy Inn, Moorgate and was 41 years of age. He was a butcher by trade and for some years was employed by the Retford Co-operative Society and at the time of joining the forces a year ago last February was in the employment of Messrs Nessell’s as foreman of their butchery department at Lincoln. He was taking part in the great push when he received a shrapnel shot through the head. He regained consciousness in Lincoln Hospital but after lying there for six weeks he had a relapse and passed peacefully away. The body was remove to Retford and the internment took place on Tuesday with military honours at the cemetery. The cortege left the Black Boy, the coffin, which was covered by the Union Jack, being placed on a gun carriage, drawn by six horses. The firing party which followed consisted of members of the East Anglian Engineers, stationed at Retford. At the cemetery, the funeral party was met by the vicar of East Retford, the Rev C Bailey who conducted the service.