John Bett RNR, Fisherman of Cellardyke
John Bett was born in 1893, the only son of Annie Barclay and Henry Bett of Shore Street, Cellardyke.
Henry Bett’s wooden steam drifter, The Alices KY 210, was built in 1907. At this time, John was aged 14 and had three sisters: Lizzie, Alice and Annie. There was great excitement at the launch of their father’s new fishing boat.
Back L–R: Unknown, David Boyter, John Bett.
Front L–R: David (Shirreff?), William Jack, Unknown.
In 1913, Cellardyke folk owned most of the 60 local steam drifters. With variable catches – the Winter Herring, Summer Fishing and Yarmouth – life was always challenging and busy in this close-knit fishing community.
In 1914, World War One brought devastating changes. Drifters were requisitioned and many young fishermen decided to serve their country, some as Royal Naval Reservists.
John was one such man. He was on patrol off the coast of Antrim on April 20th 1915, on Coreopsis, a requisitioned drifter from Anstruther, when tragedy struck.
The family story – handed down by word of mouth when they could bear to speak of him – told that he was ordered, with other men, to use a small boat to retrieve an anchor in the midst of a severe storm.
The crew knew that it was too dangerous, that they should not be sent on such a mission, but there was no choice but to obey the order. John was known for his strong swimming ability, so it was cruelly ironic that he was the only one to lose his life, aged just 22.
The crew searched and found John’s body, which was brought home and buried at Kilrenny. His comrades laid their own ‘Token of Esteem’.
By A E Humphries