Orders, Decorations, Medals and Militaria

Four: Chief Cook W. Betts, Mercantile Fleet Auxiliary, who served aboard the S.S. Ophir during the Messina Earthquake rescue operations of 1908

1914-15 Star (W. Betts. W. R. Ck.1. M.F.A.); British War and Victory Medals (W. Betts. Ch. Ck. M.F.A.); Italy, Kingdom, Messina Earthquake Medal 1908, silver, unnamed as issued, VM officially re-impressed, good very fine (4) £160-£200

William Betts is recorded in Angels in Blue Jackets, The Navy at Messina, 1908, as serving as a scullion aboard the S.S. Ophir.