In 1916 Bothamley enlisted with New Zealand Naval Forces and served in the North Sea during the First World War, with the Royal Naval Volunteer Reserve, rising to the rank of Lieutenant [REF].
During the Second World War (from 3 August 1940 to 30 April 1943) Bothamley served with the Royal Naval Volunteer Reserve as a shipping identification officer, based in Wellington and holding the rank of Lieutenant-Commander [REF].