Vernon Arthur Bettenay
From Our Contribution
 Wedding photo Vern and Margaret - Ancestry.com | |
| Personal Information | |
|---|---|
| Date of Birth | 29 Oct 1922 |
| Place of Birth | Subiaco, Western Australia |
| Death | 9 Jun 2019 |
| Place of Death | Kelmscott, Western Australia |
| Age at Enlistment | 19 years, 8 months |
| Occupation | Orchardist |
| Address | Karragullen, Western Australia |
| Next of Kin | Father , Mr Arthur Leworthy Bettenay |
| Military Information | |
| Reg Number | WX28319 |
| Date of Enlistment | 23 Jul 1942 |
| Rank | Lance Sergeant |
| Unit/Formation | 2/16th Australian Infantry Battalion |
| Post War Details | |
| Fate | Returned to Australia |
Pre War
Born on 29 October 1922, Vern was the second son of Mabel Parker and Arthur Bettenay. His siblings were Bill, Roy, Edna and Eric. He left school at age 14 to work on the family farm. At 16 years of age he went to a compulsory military service camp with his best friend Billy O’Meagher, which turned into a three-year stint in the Army.
War Service
Vern served in Darwin and in the later part of the war he was posted to Rabaul in New Britain.
Discharged 14 Mar 1946.
Post War
Electoral Roll entries: 1949 - 1980 at Irymple road, Roleystone, orchardist.
Following his return from the war, Vern bought a shiny black limo “The Plymouth” and while transporting young folk across town he met school teacher Margaret Gowans (born 28 February 1927). Margaret and Vern were married on 27 August 1948. They had five children – Deb, Leigh, Fiona, Linda and Kim.
His valley farm ‘Irymple’ was often filled with workers and visitors. He devoted his time to many clubs, causes and discussion groups ( Marriage Guidance, Clan, Rent a Grandpa) and could be found trailing after his wife Margaret whenever Roleystone Theatre put on a show.
Vern passed away on 9 June 2019, aged 96 and a half years, at Mercy Care in Kelmscott.
Notes
Some biographical information sourced from the Roleystone Courier, July 2019, page 2.