Orders, Decorations, Medals and Militaria

Family group:

Three: Able Seaman J. W. Bettles, Royal Navy, who was killed in action whilst serving with H.M.S. Queen Mary during the Battle of Jutland, 31 May 1916
1914-15 Star (J. 10954, J. W. Bettles, A.B., R.N.); British War and Victory Medals (J. 10954 J. W. Bettles. A.B. R.N.); Memorial Plaque (John Walter Bettles) this mounted in a wooden frame; Memorial Scroll (A.B. John Walter Bettles H.M.S. Queen Mary) the scroll water-damaged, good very fine

Victory Medal 1914-19 (202698. 1. A.M. T. W. Bettles. R.A.F.) good very fine (lot) £300-£400

John Walter Bettles was born in Slough, Buckinghamshire in July 1894. He was the son of Mr and Mrs W. J. Bettles of The Green, Datchet, Buckinghamshire. Bettles joined the Royal Navy as a Boy 2nd Class in January 1911. He advanced to Able Seaman in July 1914, and served with H.M.S. Queen Mary, 16 September 1913 - 31 May 1916. Bettles was killed in action on the latter date, when the Queen Mary was engaged in the Battle of Jutland. She was hit twice by the German battlecruiser Derfflinger during the early part of the battle and her magazines exploded shortly afterwards, sinking the ship.

Able Seaman Bettles is commemorated on the Portsmouth Naval Memorial.