Bradford City (3)

Comments from the forum - 3

Since putting together the article about the sinking of the Bradord City (3) a couple of years back I have received several interesting e-mails from people around the world who had some connection, one way or another, with the ship. Most recently, I have received one from Alex Theakston, who is the grandson of one of the Radio Officers, Joseph Austen Betley, who was aboard the ship. He was in the same lifeboat as Willie Cross, and he is featured on two of the photographs that came from Willie’s Diary. His communication is both interesting and amusing, and with Alex’s permission, I am posting it as follows:-

“Hi Mike
………………………..I distinctly remember him showing me the aerial photograph once but I have not seen that photo in more than 15 years and it's possible we don't have copies of them all.

Grandpa, who was always 'Austen' to friends, rather than Joe, died in 1998, having worked for most of his life at Cussons (of soap fame) in Manchester - he was always a strong character and a raconteur. He lived out retirement near Keswick in the Lake District with my grandmother, who wore the engagement ring he apparently forgot and went back for while exiting the Bradford City, till she died several years later. Since my mother was born in 1946 I certainly owe my existence to the successful rescue of the crew, and the leniency of K-F Merten! His daughter, Sue Betley married my father Paul Theakston in 1972 - we're from a brewing family in North Yorkshire.

I didn't know about them stopping his pay! Given he had the nickname 'captain value' in the family - it was standard practice for him to melt all the little remnant soap pieces around the house down to make a 'soap cake' - I'm surprised that didn't get a vehement mention, but I may have forgotten.

Thanks again for the kind offer and look forward to the pics! Cheers Alex”
Mike Jones.  Posted on Forum 29 November 2013.

Disclaimer: The statements on this page are the views of the person who posted them on the forum. The events took place many years ago and in most cases rely on those people's memories, and so we cannot guarantee the accuracy although every effort is made to check it.

Bradford City. Page [1] [2] [3]
Memories from RSL staff. Page No. [1] [2] [3]