220134 Pte. John Betts British Army 2nd Battalion Hampshire Regiment (d.3rd Sep 1915) Transcript of newspaper article of the time:
Private John Betts (15294), 2nd Battallion, Hampshire Regiment, Expeditionary Force. He was among those 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 preceded by the firing party, the coffins containing 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 patients 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, military chaplain met the coffin at the Cemetery 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 attached 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 draped 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.
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