Frederick Arthur Hyde

Gunner Frederick Arthur Hyde, “C' Battery, 83rd Brigade, Royal Field Artillery, was killed in action on 10th August 1917. His name is commemorated on the Menin Gate.

Article published in the Hucknall Dispatch dated 23rd August 1917 :- A PROMISING YOUTH. “A HUCKNALLITE KILLED AT THE GUNS. “Widespread sympathy has been shown to Mr. and Mrs. J. W. Hyde, of High street, Hucknall, in the sad news from France that their son, Gunner Frederick Arthur Hyde, of the Royal Field Artillery, had been killed at the guns. It appears that he made the supreme sacrifice on August 10 (the same day as the Newstead gunner – Cheney – was wounded), this being three days after his birthday (August 7, when he was 23 years of age). “The deceased hero was born in Hucknall in 1894, and having attended the National Schools, he entered his father’s outfitting business, where he remained until 4½ years ago, when he commenced business in Station road, East Kirkby, as a clothier and outfitter. By his energy, coupled with a pleasant disposition, he built up a nice connection, but on April 4, 1916, he had to part with his friends to join the forces [and he had to sell his business as a result of being conscripted]. He secured a place in the Royal Field Artillery as a gunner, and though this was a big change from the shop, he took to it wonderfully well. His training was received in Ireland, and in August 1916 he crossed the Channel for the war zone, where he won the esteem of his pals by his cheery disposition and his eagerness to do his share for the old country. “The late gunner never complained of his lot and portion, and was looking forward to peace and to continue his business, where he heart lay. A fine mastiff belonged to him, and his suggestion to the Kennel Club for the animal to be named the King of the Somme met with general favour. “The following letters have been received: “Dear Mr. and Mrs. Hyde, “I regret to inform you that your son was killed in action this morning at the guns. We will all miss him, both officers and men, as we all recognised in him a fine soldier. Soldiers like your son are hard to get these times. We wish we had more of them. The officers and men wish me to express to you their deepest sympathy in your sad loss. He will be buried in a cemetery in a village in Belgium, the name of which will be given to you later. “Yours sincerely, “M. H. S. Jackson, “2nd Lieut., R.F.A.” “Dear Mrs. Hyde, “As chaplain who was in the advanced aid post who buried your son, Gunner F. A. Hyde, I feel I must write to express to you my deepest sympathy in your sad loss. He died instantaneously, a shell coming into the gun pit. He has sacrificed himself as our Lord did – in the cause of righteousness. May God the Holy Spirit comfort you in your deep sorrow with the hope of the Resurrection, when there will be no more parting or weeping. “Yours sincerely, G. C. R. COOKE, Chaplain.” “It may be added that a Hucknall soldier named Bosworth [1] assisted at the burial of Fred A. Hyde, who had a peaceful look upon his face.” Sadly, Fred Hyde’s grave was lost and his is now commemorated on the Menin Gate. [1] Gunner Richard Bodsworth, also of “C” Battery, 83rd Brigade, Royal Field Artillery, was killed in action on 25th October 1917. He is buried in Minty Farm Cemetery, St. Jean-les-Ypres, Belgium. Above is courtesy of Jim Grundy and his facebook pages Small Town Great War Hucknall 1914-1918