Mexborough and Swinton Times November 3, 1917

Private Fred Brewster
West Yorkshire Regiment

Private Brewster of 21 William St, Swinton, was killed in action on September 13 in France.

His mother has received the following message from the Rev McKeowan:

“I regret very much that your son died of wounds received on September 13. The enemy tried to raid the trench held by us early on Thursday morning last, but were beaten off, with very heavy losses to themselves.

In the action a number of our men were killed and wounded. Your gallant son died in the advanced dressing station, of the wounds he received. I buried him in a little English military Cemetery, well behind the lines, but he can rest in peace.

The West Yorkshire Regiment made a magnificent fight, and we were complemented by the G.O.C. upon their bravery. May I offer to you my heartfelt sympathy in your dreadful loss? We are all very sorry to lose your boy – we can ill afford to lose men like him. May the a good God comfort you and help you to carry on until daybreak and the shadows flee away.”

Second Lieutenant A W Bedford writes:

“it is with extreme regret that I have to inform you of the loss of your son, who was killed in the morning of September 13. The Germans put up an intense bombardment, and along with his comrades your son showed great courage by remaining at his post and fighting bravely to the last. The Germans were repulsed.

Our own captain was killed and all our lads who fell on that day were buried yesterday in a cemetery in a quiet place with the Captain. All the officers of the battalion and the men of his company were present.

Private Brewster was 20 years of age, single, and before enlistment, in February 1916 was employed at the Don Glass Bottle Works, Mexborough.

From C.W.G.C.:

Private
BREWSTER, F
Service Number 202951
Died 13/09/1917
2nd/6th Bn.
West Yorkshire Regiment (Prince of Wales’s Own)

FAVREUIL BRITISH CEMETERY