Rushden Man's Heroism - Pte Arthur Bettles In the Midst of German Snipers - Wounded After Doing Fine Work

Mr and Mrs Bettles, of 25, Little-street, Rushden, have received the following letter from Mr A Elliot, Carlett Park, Eastham, Cheshire, regarding their son, Pte Arthur Bettles, of the Bedfordshire Regt.:-

"I promised I would write to you for your brave Arthur. Yesterday I went to see him in Liverpool Hospital. I must first tell you that he has returned wounded, by the wounds are only flesh ones, and not serious ones at all, and you can feel quite happy about him. In fact, you must be very grateful when you hear about the noble part he played in the great offensive.

"He was chosen as a bomb thrower, and after throwing his 10 bombs (only a distance of 15 yards from the German dug-outs) he got behind a tree and, in the midst of German snipers who were up in the trees, he fired his rifle until the whole of the men were killed or wounded, and in turning around he was struck by a shell, and wounded in the both arms and both legs, but all are slight ones and he will soon be quite fit again.

"After being wounded he crawled about half-a-mile back to his dressing station, after he had first got into a dug-out and seen to his wounds.

"It was on July 10, and he arrived here on Saturday at 11 p.m. He wishes me to tell you that you must not think of coming to see him, as he hopes to come and see you soon and I will see he has every comfort.

"Perhaps you have read about the glorious charge of the Battalion he was in, to capture Trones Wood, which was in a position to play havoc with our trenches. I go over every Sunday to the hospital to do what I can to cheer up, our brave lads, and to try to comfort them, and I always try to write to their mothers and friends when they do not know about them. I know what an anxious time it is for them. I can only say, God bless your brave boy, and speedily bring him safely back to health, and God's blessing be with you and all your family."

Pte Bettles had been at the front 15 months.

We sincerely regret to report that Mr and Mrs William Bettles, of 25 Little Street, Rushden have sustained a double bereavement through the loss of two of their soldier sons, the news concerning both coming practically at the same time. One son, the fourth viz., Pte Frederick Bettles, of the Rushden Company, 2nd Battalion Northants Volunteers, passed away at Northampton Hospital on Wednesday evening, having been taken there on Tuesday evening this week by order of Dr Greenfield. He had been in failing health for about three weeks, but nothing serious was suspected until last Saturday and Sunday when paralysis settled in, and on Wednesday about 9 p.m. he passed away at the age of 17½ years. Before joining the volunteers the late Pte Frederick Bettles, was a member of the 1st Rushden Troop of Boy Scouts. The cause of his death is at present unknown. The funeral will take place to-morrow (Saturday) at Rushden Cemetery at 3.15.

Mr and Mrs Bettles, have also received a letter from Lance-Corpl R Pettit, of the Beds Regiment to say that their second son, Pte Arthur Bettles, of the Beds regiment, was killed in action in France on November 3rd. Lance-Corpl Pettit writes: "It is with great difficulty that I am trying to scribble a few lines to let you know the sad news of your son Arthur. It was while we were making an attack, a shell dropped near to him and he was killed instantly. I wasn't near him myself, but a pal of his told me, so you can take it as granted. It is a very great loss to the gun team, and also the platoon, because he was so well known and liked by everyone. All the boys wish me to send their deepest sympathy with you."

The late Pte Arthur Bettles, who as 23 years of age, joined up voluntarily at the outbreak of war, and had been in France altogether about two years and nine months. Twelve months last July 10th he was wounded at the battle of Trones Wood, and was then sent to hospital at Liverpool for a time. Returning to the front he escaped further injury until the day he met his death. Before enlistment he was employed by Messrs. Robinson, boot manufacturers, Rushden. Mr and Mrs Bettles have another son serving with the Colours, viz., Pte Corrie Bettles, of the Beds Regiment, who is in Egypt. Another Pte Walter Bettles, of the Surrey Yeomanry is at present stationed at Woodbridge, Suffolk, and is expecting to go abroad with the next draft almost immediately.

Rushden Soldier's Death - Official News of Pte Arthur Bettles - Letter From the Chaplain

Mr and Mrs W Bettles, of 25 Little-street, Rushden received official news on Tuesday confirming the death in action on October 30th, of their son 3/7667 Pte Arthur Bettles, of the Beds. Regiment, whose death was unofficially reported in our last issue. Mr and Mrs Bettles have also received a letter from the Rev. H G South, C.F., as follows: "I am sorry to report the death in action of your son, Pte A Bettles, on October 30th. My Commanding Officer wishes me to tell you how sorry we all are that he should have fallen, and also how proud we are of him for his great sacrifice. He has given all to King and country. May God give you strength to bear up bravely under the blow. We send you sad news but please accept, across the water, our sympathy and out thanks. If I have further details I will write promptly."

THE FUNERAL of the late Pte Fredk Bettles, of B Company, 2nd Battalion, Northants Volunteers, son of Mr and Mrs William Bettles, of 25 Little-street, Rushden, took place at the cemetery on Saturday afternoon in the presence of many sympathises. The obsequies were conducted by the Rector (the Rev PE Robson). The coffin, of polish elm, with brass fittings, bore the inscription:

The coffin was borne to the grave by six of the deceased's volunteer comrades, under Sergt W Steele, and others of the Rushden company, under Lieut (acting Captain) G R Turner and Sergt Major Beardsmore, acted as guard of honour. The mourners comprised Mr and Mrs W Bettles (father and mother), Mrs A Robinson (aunt), Mrs W Robinson (aunt), Mrs J Smith (aunt), and Mrs B Smith (aunt). A number of beautiful floral tributes were placed on the grave as follows: To our dear boys, Fred and Arthur, from their loving mother, father and family. "Gone but not forgotten" From Aunt Betty and Aunt Carrie in loving memory of Fred, also Arthur, who was killed in action on November 3rd, 1917. "Greater love hath no man"

In loving memory from Uncle Jim, Aunt Lizzie and family. In affectionate remembrance from Uncle Bernard and Aunt Emily.

In loving memory from Aunt Florrie (Kettering) "Both God and man hath found him well and truly tried."

In loving memory of Fred and Arthur, from Madel, Alice and Maud.

With love and sympathy from Aunt Lil and cousins Ada, Sally and Lil (Harborough-road).

In remembrance from officers, NCOs and men of the Rushden B Co., 2nd Battalion, Northants Volunteer Regiment.

To dear Fred and Arthur, from a friend.

In loving memory of Fred and Arthur, from Mrs J Litchfield and family.

Mr and Mrs Bettles and family desire to express their sincere thanks to all who have so kindly sent expressions of sympathy with them in the sore bereavement they have sustained by the death of their two sons Arthur and Fred.