Cecil Dunbar Hutchinson

Cecil joined the Nottingham University Officer Training Corps in August 1914. He was gazetted 2nd Lieutenant on 7th December 1914 and promoted Lieutenant in August 1916; he served with the 7th battalion South Staffordshire Regiment. After a prolonged career as an infantry officer involving combat at Gallipoli, Egypt, the Sinai Peninsular and on the Western Front, he volunteered for the Royal Flying Corps.He trained as an observer in June 1917 and returned to France in July 1917. On 10th August 1917 his plane was shot down, crash landing behind German lines; he had been shot in the stomach during the aerial combat. His pilot survived the attack and crash. A letter was received from the German Red Cross on 12th August 1917 stating that, 'As a consequence of his severe stomach wounds, he died of these wounds in the field hospital at Meulebeke.' He is buried in Harlebeke New British Cemetery, Belgium (grave ref. I.A 8). The cemetery was made after the Armistice so Cecil's grave was brought in after the Armistice, possibly as late as 1924/25.CWGC - History of Harlebeke New British Cemetery (extract): 'Harlebeke village was taken on the night of 19-20 October 1918 by the 9th (Scottish) Division. Harlebeke New British Cemetery was made after the Armistice when graves were brought in from the surrounding battlefields of 1918 and, in 1924-25, from German cemeteries or plots in Belgium. The earlier concentrations are in Plots I and X, and the later in Plots I, II and XI to XIX. In the latter group are many graves of October 1914.' (www.cwgc.org)

CWGC headstone personal inscription: 'His heart to his home his soul to God his life to his country' Cecil's Squadron commanding officer wrote to Cecil's mother, 'I am very sorry to lose your son, particularly as he was a very keen and promising observer.'On 4th October 1917 it was reported that Lieutenant Cecil Dunbar Hutchinson, 57 Squadron Royal Flying Corps, originally reported missing, was now reported to be a prisoner of war. A DH4 observer, he had been shot down by Max Ritter von Müller of Jasta 28 over Ingelmunster at 8.30 p.m. 10th August 1917.Nottingham Evening Post, 14th August 1917:“WEST BRIDGFORD OFFICER MISSING. “Mr. A. Hutchinson, Melton-road, West Bridgford, has received information that his son, Lieut. Cecil D. Hutchinson, R.F.C., has been missing since the 10th inst. Lieut. Hutchinson was up with a bombing squadron, and was last seen only about three miles beyond the lines at great height returning home. “He is 25 years of age, and was educated at the Nottingham High School. He was a member of the school cadet corps and the football team, and was one of the winners of the-school “eights." He joined the Nottingham University College Training Corps on the outbreak of war, and obtained a commission in the South Staffordshire Regiment in December, 1914. He gained his second star in August last year, and was appointed temporary commander in September, whilst he was transferred to the Royal Flying Corps about two months ago. He served with his battalion in the Dardanelles Above courtesy of Jim Grundy and his Facebook pages, 'Small Town Great War Hucknall 1914-1918'. Probate 4 January 1918, Nottingham: Hutchinson Cecil Dunbar of 'Mariescot', Melton Road, West Bridgford, Nottingham, Lieutenant in H.M. Army died 12th August 1917 in Belgium. Administration Arthur Hutchinson printer [father]. Effects £236 18 shillings.