Vernon Arthur Bettenay
From Our Contribution
 Wedding photo Vern and Margaret - Ancestry.com | |
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| 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 | 18 years, 11 months |
| Description | ; fair complexion ; green eyes ; fair hair |
| Occupation | Orchardist |
| Religion | Congregational |
| Address | Karragullen, Western Australia |
| Next of Kin | Father , Mr. Arthur Leworthy Bettenay |
| Military Information | |
| Reg Number | W20846 & 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
Prior to enlisting in the 2nd AIF on 23 Jul 1942, Vern had served with the CMF's 25th Australian Reconnaissance Battalion as a Corporal from 21 Oct 1941 until 4 Jan 1942 part time and from 5 Jan 1942 until 22 Jul 1942 full time. On 21 Apr 1942 Vern was detached to the 10th Recce Battalion's 'A' Company where on 9 Jun 1942 he was promoted Corporal. A week later he was transferred to the 25th Recce Battalion at Gingin, detached to the 6th Australian Infantry Brigade. He rejoined his parent until on 15 Jul 1942, and a week later on 23 Jul 1942 he signed up withthe 2nd AIF while at Northampton. On 27 Sep 1942 he was transferred to the 16th Australian Infantry Battalion (Cameron Highlanders Regiment). From 14 Nov until 31 Dec 1942 he was sent to the 13th Australian Infantry Training Battalion at Northam.
From 29 March until 1 May 1943 he was treated by the 122nd Australian Special Hospital for Urethritis. On 22 May 1943 he departed for South Australia to rejoin his unit, but appears to have also spent some time in the 123rd Australian Special Hospital in Adelaide, finally departing on 28 Jul 1943 for the Northern Territory, arriving there on 6 Aug 1943 wher ehe rejoined the 16th Battalion. On 24 Sep he was admitted to the 107th Australian General Hospital for treatment for an infected chin. In November 1943 he attended a Field Works Course, and on 31 Aug 1944 he was posted to the Australian Reinforcement Training Battalion (Jungle Warfare) at Cunungra, returning to Darwin on 22 Oct 1944.
The battalion embarked on USAT Evangaline in Darwin on 21 Nov 1944 destined for Jcquinpt Bay on the south coast of New Britain, disembarking there on 26 Nov 1944. On 15 Feb 1945 Vern was Promoted Temporary Sergeant. He was transferred to teh 2/14th Australian Field Regiment on 19 Dec 1945, before embarking the following day aboard SS Frienze in Rabaul for Melbourne, arriving there on 29 Dec 1945. On the same day he was posteed back to WA to take his discharge from Western Command Recruit Reception & General Details Depot on 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.