BETTS, Benjamin Horace


No.235063, Pte, Benjamin Horace BETTS
Aged 35


1st/5th Battalion, The King's (Liverpool Regiment)
formerly 19823, Suffolk Regiment
Died of his Wounds on Thursday, 11th October 1917


Benjamin Horace BETTS was born in Haverhill (Risbridge Q4-1882 4A:647), son of Benjamin and Kate BETTS (née WILLIS).

1891 census...Aged 8, he was at Maypole Terrace, Haverhill with his father Benjamin BETTS [33] clothier's warehouseman, born Kedington; his mother Kate [31] born Steeple Bumpstead; brothers Cecil Christopher[7]and Garnet William [5]; sisters Blanche Maude [3] and Edith Priscilla [1]. All the children were born in Haverhill.

1901 census...Aged 18, a clothing warehouseman, he was at 14 The Pightle, Haverhill with his parents; brothers Cecil C. [clothing warehouseman) and Garnet (warehouse office boy); sisters Blanche M, Edith P. and Winifred K.[9] born Haverhill.

In 1910, he married Rose Lily BACKLER.(b.8-3-1884)

1911 census...Aged 28, a wholesale clothing warehouse assistant, he was living with his wife's aunt, widowed Eliza CALLOW [65]at 6 Waveney Terrace, Haverhill. Also there were Eliza's married brother Harry CALLOW [55] a hair cloth weaver; her sister Alice CALLOW [45] drabbett and cotton weaver, and her nephew Frank CALLOW [34], single, hair cloth weaver. Also there were Benjamin's wife Rose Lily [27] wholesale clothing machinist and their daughter Vera Rose BETTS [2.5 months]. All were Haverhill born.

On the pension card his widow was at 6 Waveney Terrace, Haverhill with their daughter Vera Rose (23-1-1911)

His brother, Cecil Christopher BETTS was killed serving in France in the Essex Regiment) in 1917 see here



He enlisted in Bury St. Edmunds. He died of his wounds at No.44 Casualty Clearing Station, Nine Elms, Poperinge. With no service record available it is not possible to say for sure where or exactly when he was wounded but it would have been quite recently. It does seem very likely that he was not with the 1st/5th battalion at the time as they were much further south in the Lempire sector in France for at least the 1st 11 days of October. Only one other 1st/5th man died in that time, but the 18th battalion did lose 15 men in Belgium from 1st to 11th October.

The South West Suffolk Echo reported on 27th October 1917:-
"Mrs. Betts, of 6, Waveney Terrace, Haverhill, has received the sad news that her husband, Rifleman H. Betts, of the King's (Liverpool Regt.) has died from wounds received. He was thirty five years of age, and was the eldest son of the late Mr. B. Betts, and Mrs. Betts, of 14 Swan Terrace. His brother, Cecil, was also killed while fighting for his country. Prior to enlistment Rfn. Betts was employed as a clerk in the warehouse at the factory. The following letters have been received by his wife :-
From the chaplain:- 'I am so sorry to have to tell you that your dear husband, Rfn B. H. Betts, was most severely wounded in action, and was admitted to the 44th. Casualty Clearing Station. Everything possible was done to save his life, but he passed away on the 11th. at 6.50p.m. He was hit in the chest. It will be of some comfort to you to know that he received the utmost care and comfort whilst he was with us. I have buried his remains in our Military Cemetery, and a cross will be erected to his memory. It is for the War Office to give you further details. His effects will reach you in due course. These are sad days, but Jesus lives. God bless you in your sorrow. Cast your cares upon Him, for He cares for you.'
From the Sister at the hospital:- I am sorry to report the sad news of the death of your husband, Rfn. Betts, of the King's (Liverpool Regt.) who passed away in my ward on the 11th. October, at 6.50 p.m. He was very badly wounded in the chest from the first, and we kept him at the 44th. C. C. Station hoping that every day he would be able to be sent down to the Base. His lung was badly wounded and his breathing was very difficult. He did not suffer a great deal. Everything was done that could be done by all here. He was buried near the Camp with the rest of England's dear boys who have laid down their lives for King and country. Hoping you will receive comfort in this great loss from Him who watches over the boys at the Front. Kindly accept my deepest sympathy to you and yours at this sad time." "



photo: Rodney Gibson



Benjamin Betts is buried in Nine Elms British Cemetery, Poperinge, grave 4:D:16

click here to go to the Commonwealth War Graves Commission website for full cemetery/memorial details


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