Private Allan Edmund Betts

Discovering a son of Latrobe

By Tanzi Lewis

It was a windy, rainy day when I found a rectangular object lying face down at the Australian National Memorial at Villers Bretonneux, while holidaying in France, in July 2012.

When I picked the object up for a closer inspection, I saw the face of a young soldier. Looking at me was the image of Private Allan Edmund Betts of Latrobe, on Tasmania’s North-West.  It was amazing to discover a tribute to a Tasmanian so far from home.  Being a Tasmanian, I knew Latrobe, and could easily picture the delightful town Private Betts had left behind, never to see again.

Whoever had created the small photo tribute had provided some brief information.  Private Betts of the 12^th Battalion was killed a long time ago, a long way from home; but there were obviously people keeping his memory alive, as the message next to his photo read:

“Private Allan Edmund Betts….
A son of Latrobe, Tasmania. 
Lost here forever at Mouquet Farm.
Always loved and remembered. Lest we forget.”

Seeing the image of Private Betts gave an identity to one of the thousands of names engraved in the Australian War Memorial at Villers Bretonneux.  My reason for visiting Villers Bretonneux was to view the monument where Australia commemorates ANZAC Day on the Western Front.  I did not anticipate becoming intrigued by a particular soldier with a Tasmanian connection, but the Centenary of ANZAC reminds us of the importance of remembering those who served and of sharing their stories. 

So, who was Allan Betts?

When Allan Betts enlisted for service abroad on 5 January 1915 he stated his age was 18 and his “last birthday was 15 May 1914”.  Written consent was granted by Allan’s father, Mr George Betts of Lewis Street, Latrobe, in a handwritten letter dated 4 January 1915 that said:

“I give my consent to my son Allan E Betts to serve in the Commonwealth Military Forces during the European War.”

Allan Betts was a tailor when he enlisted and he stated he had experience in the Citizen Force 91^st Infantry F Company.

Private Allan Betts left Australia on 8 April 1915 and was taken on strength at Gallipoli on 26 May 1915.  On 16 August 1915 he had septic poisoning and was sent to Malta via Mudros on the “Ascania”. On the island of Mudros he suffered from dysentery. He arrived in Malta on 25 August 1915 and was transferred to England on 7 September 1915.

On 12 February 1916, Private Betts returned to duty in Egypt. He rejoined the battalion on 13 March 1916, which disembarked in Marseilles, in the South of France, on 5 April 1916. 

Mouquet Farm

Photo: Australian War Memorial E00565

Mouquet Farm stood on a ridge near the much fought over village of Pozieres, in Northern France. It was the site of nine separate attacks by three Australian divisions between 8 August and 3 September 1916.  Below Mouquet Farm, the Germans had incorporated farm cellars into their trench system. 

Attacks mounted against Mouquet Farm cost Australia over 11,000 casualties.  Private Betts was killed in action between19-22 August 1916.  He was just 20 years old. 

After receiving news of his son’s death, George Betts grieved and - like any grieving person – pondered questions about the loss of his son.  Seeking answers about the circumstances of his son’s death, Mr Betts wrote to the Officer in Charge of Base Records on 29 October 1916:

“If you have any information regarding his death, whether it was instantaneous or otherwise…would you mind advising me, as I would very much like to know whether he suffered much or otherwise.

 Yours very respectfully, George Betts, Latrobe”.

The Major Officer in charge of Base Records replied to Mr Betts’ on 13 November 1916:

“…concerning the regrettable loss of your son, No. 1810 Private A.E Betts, 12^th Battalion, and to state that, beyond the bare cabled advice, that he was killed in action between 19^th  and 22nd August, 1916, no further details are available.

You should receive in due course, if the stress of operations permit, a letter from his Commanding Officer or Regimental Chaplain, giving such facts as are known.

From the fact he is reported “killed in action” it would appear as if his death was instantaneous.”

Loss on many levels

Correspondence indicates that the tragic loss of Allan Betts came at a considerable loss to his parents, Elizabeth and George, both emotionally and financially. On 23 April 1921, they wrote:

“The war leave payment we received seven shillings per week is a rather small amount.  We would very well do with more. We are both unable to work. We have the old age pension.  We are living together. We are the parents of the late 1810 Private Betts of the 12^th Battalion.”

Lest we forget

Private Allan Edmund Betts is one of 10,739 names commemorated at the Villers Bretonneux Memorial  in Picardie, France.  Although he died long ago, his memory lives on thanks to whoever made the small photo tribute at Villers Bretonneux.  I placed the photo upright so the image of Allan Betts could look out at whoever visits the memorial.

To whoever originally placed the photo tribute about Private Betts at Villers Bretonneux: thank you.