Sergeant Bill “Boots” Bettridge served during World War II and landed with the Regiment on D-Day.
“Our part of the beach was clear but there were mines buried in the sand. On the dead run you just chose the path that looked best. Bert Shepard, Bill Bettridge and I were running at top speed and firing from the hip. To our left we spotted a small gap in the wall. They had placed a belt-fed machine gun there as part of the defence and only one man was on it. We knew from our training that you cannot be on the move and fire accurately at the same time. If you stop you become a target. In any case, Bill did stop for a split second. He took his aim and that seemed to be the bullet that took the gunner out, although Bert and I were firing too. We got to the wall and over it, then raced across the railway line.”
Charlie Martin Battle Diary
Video from The Memory Project
Bill died in Brampton on November 22, 2012.
Wish I could have met him.
https://zhouxingyu.wordpress.com/2020/11/07/bill-bettridge-the-veteran/
Thank you Boots.
I am delighted to say that I enjoyed listening to his stories. He was such a nice, gentle speaking man with lots of love by many people..I wish that I new him much longer than I did. I know he is missed by many family and friends like myself. He was the most extraordinary man I knew.
With thanks, Brenda (George)
He saved me from drowning when I was 3 yrs old. His eagle eye and soft voice will stay with me forever. Thank you again Uncle Bill. Much Love Len and Anne’s daughter Georgie Anne xxx
Miss u brother, think of u often and all of ur stories and all the perils that u endured, gone but never forgotten, ur aura surrounds me, such a humble stately gentleman u were.
I loved listening to Bills stories…He had many to tell….you are missed Bill…Rest in peace…
The horror of war and the bravery of ordinary Canadian men
who knew they had a job to do and volunteered to fight against
tyranny. Thanks to the Queen’s Own Rifles for archiving the
battle experiences of Mr. Bettridge and several other gallant
soldiers.
How wonderful to hear the voice of a man we all respected and enjoyed. He is missed and in our hearts forever.
Uncle Bill you are our hero
I miss you Pappy<3
Bill is sorely missed by his family and we appreciated the respect you give him. Lest we forget …. I know we never will. Thank you, Karen Bettridge