237281 Gnr. Richard Thomas Fewings British Army 251st Brigade, D Coy. Royal Field Artillery from:Exeter, Devon (d.18th April 1918) Mrs R. Fewings of Quay lane, Exeter has been notified of the death of her husband, Gnr. R. Fewings. RFA. In a letter to the widow, Lieut. Richard Atkinson, one of the battery officers says: "Your husband's death occured while taking his first real rest after four weeks' heavy fighting. It was quite instantaneous, and he felt nothing, as he was killed by a shell which came in through the roof. We have buried him in the British military cemetery near here. We mourn a gallant comrade, who was ever ready in time of danger, and always cheery in times of great discomfort and misery. He was a general favourite with all the officers and men. I offer you, on behalf of the commanding officer, officers and men of the battery, our sincere and heartfelt sympathy." (30th April 1918)
Gunner R.T. Fewings 52505 D Bty. 251st Brigade, Royal Field Artillery is remembered on the Commonwealth War Graves Commission website. He was awarded three medals: the Victory Medal, the British War Medal and The 1914 - 1915 Star. Gunner Fewings lived at 3 Horse Lane, Exeter, Devon, England at the time he married Winifred Mary Waymouth.
War Diary 251st Brigade; Royal Field Artillery WO95/2819.
18th April 1918: Gonnehem.
- 1.00 am: An intense bombardment by the enemy commenced over whole area occupied by the batteries, which lasted one hour.
- 2.00 am: A pause lasting 15 minutes was followed by an intense bombardment of forward areas.
- 3.15 am: Enemy attacked, and our advanced posts were withdrawn. During the night batteries fired on SOS lines, in response to signals, at varying rates, and barraged rides through Pacquet Wood.
- 4.40 am: A/251 ordered to continue on SOS lines and remaining batteries to stand down. Enemy attempts to cross the canal frustrated with heavy losses to the enemy.
- 07.00 am: Batteries engaged enemy seen near Bois du Pacquet and La Panniere.
- 8.20 am: Road between Bois du Pacquet and La Panniere, houses in W.4a, houses and roads Q34a and La Panniere fired on by batteries.
- 9.50 am: C/251 ordered to fire on Q34.c; B/251 on ride Q33c and houses and roads Q33b. Continuous firing during afternoon with observation on enemy posts in Q34a between wood and houses.
- 8.15 pm: A barrage was heard on the left and on SOS signal being observed. A/251 fired at a very slow rate on SOS lines whilst remaining batteries stood by.
- 9.10 pm: All batteries stood down. Information received that Riez du Vinage had been retaken by us. Lieut C St Nevill (C/251) killed in action whilst on duty at Brigade Observation Post. Some casualties sustained by batteries, especially D/251, 13 killed and 76 wounded.
His daughter, Joyce Hetty Fewings, was born on 20th November 1917 and grew up wthout her father. She did, however, present him with nine grandchildren.
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