Albert Hewitt

Albert enlisted at Retford and served with the 11th Field Company of the Royal Engineers. He died of influenza and broncho pneumonia on 29th October 1918 and was buried in Mont Huon Military Cemetery, Le Treport, Seine Maritime, France (grave reference VII L 12B). CWGC - History of Mont Huon Military Cemetery (extract): 'During the First World War, Le Treport was an important hospital centre and by July 1916, the town contained three general hospitals (the 3rd, 16th and 2nd Canadian), No.3 Convalescent Depot and Lady Murray's B.R.C.S. Hospital. The 7th Canadian, 47th and 16th USA General Hospitals arrived later, but all of the hospitals had closed by March 1919. As the original military cemetery at Le Treport filled, it became necessary to use the new site at Mont Huon.' (www.cwgc.org)

Retford Times 15th November 1918 - Sapper Albert Hewitt 'With Military Honours 'After serving three years in the army Sapper Albert Hewitt, R.E. (30) third son of the late Mr and Mrs Charles Hewitt 26 Richard Street, Retford, died on October 29th last in hospital in France from influenza broncho pneumonia. The nursing sister has sent to members of the bereaved family a letter of heartfelt sympathy. The Chaplain wrote that the deceased fought hard for recovery and that they had hoped of it, but his condition grew steadily worse. he was buried with the church service and military honours. 'Joining the colours towards the end of 1915 Sapper Hewitt crossed to France in the spring of the following year. He was in Retford on leave last month and returned to his unit on October 17th, he was then in good health with the exception of a cold, and never looked better after all the experiences he had gone through. On Wednesday October 30th Mrs Jones his sister, who lives in Richard Street, received a telegram saying he was dangerously ill at Le Treport Second Canadian General Base Hospital. Mr Geo Hewitt, Sheffield intended going to France on the following morning, but upon arriving at Folkstone learned that his brother had passed away. 'The deceased soldier served his apprenticeship with Messrs Hurst and Sons builders, Retford and continued in their employ up to the time of enlisting. He was an old scholar of the Council school and of the Congregational Sunday school, and was highly esteemed. An elder brother, Ernest Hewitt, Notts and Derbys, has seen three years active service, and was last July discharged. He was wounded three times, at Epehry, Le Sars and Ypres, and is still under treatment. He joined Kitchener's Army in 1914. He was formerly in G.C. [Great Central] Loco sheds.'