John William Brewitt
- Family History
- Military History
- Extra Information
- Photographs
He was the son of James William (died 16/10/1931 aged 58) and Elizabeth (died 3/3/1933 aged 59) Brewitt of Saxondale, Bingham, Nottinghamshire. Both are buried in St Peter's churchyard, East Bridgford, Nottinghamshire. In 1911, whilst John’s parents were still living in a 5 room house in Holme Lane with John’s siblings Joseph aged 13, Annie Elsie aged 10, Albert aged 9, Ernest aged 6, and 3 year old twins Susie and Alice. John, by then aged 16, had moved up the road to Holly Farm, Bassingfield.
On 5th November 1913, aged 17, he emigrated to Melbourne. With the outbreak of the First World War, John William Brewitt enlisted with the 6th Battalion Australian Infantry on the 8th July 1915 and embarked from Melbourne aboard HMAT Osterley on 29th September 1915. In March 1916 they proceeded from Alexandria to join the British Expeditionary Force and disembarked in Marseille in April. On 25th July 1916 he was wounded in action, admitted to the Canadian General Hospital in Etaples and discharged in August 1916. He was killed during the 3rd Baatle of Ypres (Passchendaele). Menin Gate Memorial, Ypres. Thanks to Diane Kidger for researching this page.
Family headstone, St Peter's churchyard, East Bridgford: ‘In loving memory of James William Brewitt who died Octr. 16th 1931 aged 58 years. Also Elizabeth, wife of the above who died March 3rd. 1933, aged 59 years. Also John William, son of the above killed in action in France Sepr. 20th 1917, aged 22 years. There’s nothing but peace can betide; sweet peace, the gift of God’s love.’
