Defence Medal; War Medal 1939-45; Special Constabulary Long Service Medal EIIR (WALTER R.C. BETTS); Army Long Service & Good Conduct Medal GVIR bar Regular Army (1859201 S. SJT. W.R.C. BETTS. R.E.)
Walter Richard Cook Betts was born in Chatham, Kent on 18 April 1905. He enlisted for service with the Royal Engineers on 19 September 1919 and, having earned the Long Service & Good Conduct Medal in 1938, was discharged on 20 January 1940 in the rank of WOII (E.C./Quartermaster Sergeant) after 20 years 133 days service. His service was primarily in Hong Kong and Malaya - he was in the latter country when sent home on 19 January 1940.
His Officer Commanding in Malaya had this to say about him on the date of discharge from the ranks:-
"This Warrant Officer has had over 20 years service in the Royal Engineers and has been a Non-Commissioned officer and warrant officer for nearly 11 years. He has now been given an emergency commission as Lieutenant in the Royal Engineers. He has a 1st class certificate in education. He was employed as a Draughtsman (Mechanical) for the first 6 years of his service. He has had about 12 years experience in various RE Stores. For 2 years he acted as Finance or Chief Clerk in a D.C.R.E's office
He is a very good clerk with an excellent knowledge of RE Stores routine. He is thoroughly honest, hard working, reliable and capable with plenty of common sense, initiative, energy and power of command."
With WWII underway, he was granted an Emergency Commission in the London Gazette of 12 November 1940, rising to the rank of Major before he was released from service. He became a Special Constable in 1950, serving until 1964.
Betts passed away away in Greenwich, Greater London on 31 July 1974.
Medals are in good condition unless indicated otherwise. Sold with research and a plethora of original material including a Book of Remembrance (Funeral), RE cloth badge, educational certificates. Straits Settlements Driver's Licence, several photos, Regular Army Certificate of Service, City of London Special Constabulary letter dated 1960, Officers' Release Book and Masonic Jewels.
