I've just bought a postcard showing a drawing of the "Landing of the Australian & New Zealand troops at Gaba Tepe", with HMS Bacchante in the background giving covering fire. It is written to Miss Betenson and the writer is reputed to be the Surgeon of that name on Board the Bacchante. Can anyone confirm that the surgeon on board was Betenson. I've had no luck on the web and do not relish a trip to Kew just to answer this simple question.

Tonyf, Staff Surgeon William H. Betenson RNVR confirmed aboard. Navy List 1915.

Regards John

TONY, nothing on `your man' but find here two awrads for services BACCHANTE ;

BUSH Eric N/E MiD RN 80E034 Bacchante
Vice Admiral Commanding Eastern Mediterranean Squadron
16.08.15 Gazetted
Landing at Gallipoli Peninsula 25-26.04.15
Commended for service in action.
Were in command of "Bacchante's" picket boat and steam pinnace respectively, and were repeatedly seen doing good work sometimes under very heavy shrapnel fire.
( Captain Boyle.)
See also Midshipman C.D.H.H. Dixon - 80E034.

DIXON Charles D.H.H N/E MiD RN 80E034 Bacchante
Vice Admiral Commanding Eastern Mediterranean Squadron
16.08.15 Gazetted
Landing at Gallipoli Peninsula 25-26.04.15
Commended for service in action.
Were in command of "Bacchante's" picket boat and steam pinnace respectively, and were repeatedly seen doing good work sometimes under very heavy shrapnel fire.
( Captain Boyle.)
See also Midshipman E. Bush - 80E034.

Sadsac

From the London Gazette

Admiralty, llth March, 1920.
R.N.V.R.
His Majesty the KING has been graciously
pleased to confer on Surgeon Lieut.-Commander
William B. Betenson the Royal
Naval Volunteer Reserve Officers Decoration

from the London Gazette 7 May 1920
R.N.V.R.
The seniority of the following Surgn.
Lieut.-Cdrs. has been antedated as stated—
William B. Betenson. 13th Apr. 1916

also note from the LG
Admiralty, 29th March, 1917.
To be tempy. Surg.—
William F. W. Betenson, M.B., B.Ch.
27th March 1917.

Same person? or cousin? or something?

regards
Michael

It just so happens on Monday I was looking through the journal of Betenson's colleague on board, Surgeon Duncan Lorimer, R.N.V.R.. Lots and lots of accompanying photographs of "Bacchante" and various crewmen including Betenson at Gallipolli. Very interesting stuff. All in the Liddle Collection at the University of Leeds Library.

Simon

Many thanks to all who replied. Seasons greetings to all,

This man seems to have died in 1924:

The Times, Tuesday, Mar 11, 1924
DEATHS
BETENSON. On the 8th March, at Sussex Lodge,
Newhaven, WILLIAM BETENSON BETENSON, Surgeon
(Surgeon Captain R.N.V.R., H.M.S. Bacchante, 1914-16).
Funeral service at Christ Church, Newhaven, 11.30 a.m.
Interment Norwood Cemetery 3 p.m. to-morrow (Wed-
nesday). No flowers.

regards,
Martin