Orders, Decorations and Medals

Pair: Able Seaman W. Bettis, Royal Navy

Egypt and Sudan 1882-89, dated reverse, no clasp (A.B., H.M.S. “Salamis”); Khedive’s Star, 1882, unnamed, first with edge bruising and contact marks, good fine and better (2) £120-160

William Bettis was born in Epping, Essex on 3 August 1860. He entered the Royal Navy as a Boy 2nd Class on 12 November 1875 and was advanced to Boy 1st Class in November 1876. Bettis was promoted to an Ordinary Seaman in August 1878 when on H.M.S. Sylvia and Able Seaman in July 1881 when on H.M.S. Salamis. Serving once more on Salamis, January-December 1882, he saw service in the Egypt War of 1882. Bettis was advanced to Leading Seaman in January 1883 when on H.M.S. Duncan and serving on H.M.S. Alexandria, January 1883-December 1884 was promoted to Petty Officer 2nd Class in December 1883 and Petty Officer 1st Class in November 1884. Sadly Bettis was derated to Petty Officer 2nd Class for incompetency in June 1885 when on H.M.S. Myrmidon but happily regained his rating on the same ship in May 1886. His service ended in August 1888. With copied service paper.