Contributed by Ron Inglis, October 2021:
Private Arthur Betts, 22, a surveyor’s chainman and former pupil of Auburn Public School was the son of widowed Mrs J Matterson of Edgar Street, Auburn.
Betts enlisted on 26 May 1915 and embarked on the Wandilla on 14 June. It is not recorded exactly when Betts arrived on Gallipoli but it could not have been any earlier than the beginning of August. Betts was deemed to have been killed in action on Gallipoli, on or about 20 August 1915, during the battle of Lone Pine. His body was never found. He was in the AIF for three months.
Betts' case demonstrates the problems that arose from inadequate record keeping at the time. He disappeared on Gallipoli but no records could be found. A Court of Inquiry held in Cairo in March 1916 declared Betts was an illegal absentee. Some evidence presented to the court said someone had seen Betts in Australia. Then there was an absence of records saying he had arrived at Gallipoli and soldiers thought to be with Betts were already dead. Betts drew his last pay on 28 July 1915 and his last letter to his mother was received by her in July 1915.
Three years later, Army authorities wrote to Mrs Matterson saying there had been no official word of her son. On 21 July 1920, Betts’ file has the entry ‘Discharged in consequence of being illegally absent from duty from 20-8-15.’ It was not until May 1922, on appeal to the Adjutant General, that Betts was declared killed in action on 20 August 1915. Mrs Matterson waited nearly seven years for a decision.
The name of Betts A was added to the Auburn War Memorial after unveiling day, 30 April 1922. His name is also on the Lone Pine Memorial at Gallipoli.
Arthur Betts is honoured on the following memorials in Australia:
- Auburn War Memorial
- Municipality of Auburn 1914-1919 Honour Roll
- Auburn Public School First World War Honour Roll
- Roll of Honour Australian War Memorial Canberra
His decorations:
- British War Medal
- 1914-20 Victory Medal
- 1914-1915 Star
