No.42814, Private, Ernest Robert BETTS
Aged 20
Ernest Robert Betts was born in Stanningfield (4rd qtr 1897 Thingoe 4a:801), son of Henry and Myra BETTS (née ANNISS).
He was a cousin of James Anniss see here 1901 census...Aged 3, he was at Bury Road, Stanningfield with his father Harry BETTS [60] yardman; his mother Myra [45]; sister Lilian [9] ; brothers Henry[11], and William [7]. All were born in Stanningfield 1911 census...Aged 13, a farm labourer, he was at 7 Fox Cottages, Stanningfield with his parents and brother Francis William (farm labourer). On the pension card his mother was at 7 Fox's Cottages, Stanningfield. |
He enlisted in Bury St.Edmunds on 4th September 1916.
The 8th Battalion had just moved into the line just SE of Polygon Wood. Enrest was in C Coy in the support trench which was heavily shelled on 28th/29th September. According to CWGC the battalion had 10 killed on the 29th
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