 Son of Mr William P & Mrs Clara Hustwaite
Aged 20 years
Died 16th August 1918
Commemorated at Etaples Military Cemetery
Grave LXVII. G.6
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| Born at Rushden. |
Rushden Echo, September 6th, 1918, transcribed by Greville Watson
Rushden’s Casualty List - Victims of the War
We regret to report that Mr W. P. Hustwait, tailor, Church-street, Rushden, has received news of the death in the service of his country in France of his eldest son, 28519, First A.M. Eric Hustwait, of the Royal Air Force. The deceased soldier, who was 20 years of age, joined the Royal Flying Corps as despatch rider two years and three months ago, when but 17 years of age, and he had been two years in France when he met with his death as the result of an accident. The sad news of the fatality is sent by Capt. H. Hibbard, Camp Commandant, who writes to the bereaved parents as follows: “I deeply regret to have to inform you of a serious accident which occurred to your son, which unfortunately proved fatal, on Friday, the 16th inst. First A.M. Hustwait was on duty on the night of the 15th, and reported to General Headquarters at 11 p.m. He was returning with a reply when he met with an accident. He was coming up a hill about 3.30 a.m., when he collided with another despatch rider coming down. The other rider was severely injured, but is progressing favourably. Your son was buried at Etaples Military Cemetery on Saturday morning. I sent two despatch riders to attend the funeral. Your son was only here about a month, and was a very good boy, and performed his duties conscientiously and well. He will be missed by us all. I have sent a wreath to be placed upon the grave. You have the deepest sympathy of all ranks.” Prior to enlistment the late First A.M. E. Hustwait was employed by his father. |
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