Lt Col Peter Kemmis Betty MBE MC(5th May 1916 - 25th August 2016) was a Senior British Army officer who served in World War 2.^{[1][2][3][4][5]}

Lt Col Betty served with the 28th Indian Infantry Brigade, part of the 11th Indian Division, during the Japanese invasion of Malaya in 1941. During this critical defensive action, Betty commanded a Gurkha rifle company tasked with holding a strategically vital bridge over the Sungai Dipang River.^[4][6]

Betty's most notable contribution came during the Battle of Kampar, which was fought between December 30, 1941, and January 2, 1942. This defensive action was one of the few successful engagements for Allied forces in the Malayan Campaign.^[1][6]

Despite heavy Japanese artillery and mortar fire, he successfully delayed the advancing enemy, enabling an orderly Allied withdrawal.^[3] On three separate occasions, Betty personally led his men under fire to protect demolition teams attempting to destroy the bridge. On the third attempt, the bridge was successfully demolished, halting the Japanese advance.^[1][2][6]

For his "judgment, calm orders, and cheerful bearing," Betty was awarded the Military Cross, for recognizing his gallantry and leadership under fire.^[7][3] His company, despite suffering heavy casualties, remained an organized and disciplined fighting force.^[3]

Following the war, Lt Col Betty continued his career with the Gurkha Rifles, ultimately commanding the 2nd Battalion, 2nd King Edward VII’s Own Gurkha Rifles (1958–1960).^[8] He was later appointed a Member of the Order of the British Empire (MBE) posthumously for his contributions to the British Army.^[1][4][9]

Peter was married to Gemma, with whom he had three sons: Richard, Charlie, and David.^[2]