Riley CHEW

27 July 1917

A HELLIFIELD HERO - GUNNER R. CHEW, R.G.A.

We regret to say that news has been received of the death on the battlefield of Gunner R. Chew, R.G.A, husband of Mrs. Chew, Swindon Moor Head, Hellifield, and son of Mr. and Mrs. W. Chew, Scaleber Farm, Gargrave (late of Bolton-by-Bowland). The sad news came in the following letter, dated Ju1y 15th, from Second-Lieutenant A. K. Gowan:- "I regret to have to inform you that your husband, Gunner R. Chew, was killed yesterday morning by a shell in his sleep. He had only been with us a short time, but in his work he had showed his worth as a soldier. I offer to you and his relatives and friends my sincere sympathy in your sad bereavement. He was buried today behind the lines."

The Rev. E. G. Wells, Army Chaplain, has also written a letter of sympathy to the widow, in which he says:- "I was called to take the funeral and his body was laid to rest in the cemetery here near the ruined village church in the presence of his captain and several of his comrades. I understand that the cellar in which he was living was blown in by a shell, and from what I can hear I don't think he can have suffered."

Twenty-eight years of age, Gunner Chew enlisted in February last, and went to the front on May 29th. He was formerly a farm labourer for Mr. Moon, of Halton West, Hellifield. A memorial service is to be held at Halton West Church on Sunday at two o'clock.

03 August 1917

THE LATE GUNNER R. CHEW, HELLIFIELD

We reproduce a photograph of Gunner R. Chew, R.G.A., husband of Mrs. Chew, Swindon, Moor Head, Hellifield, and son of Mr. and Mrs. W. Chew, Scaleber Farm, Gargrave (late of Bolton-by-Bowland), who, as reported in our last issue, was killed in France on July 14th.

In a letter to the bereaved widow, S.W. Brookson, a soldier chum of deceased, says:- "Riley and I were the best of chums together, both at Athlone and out here (France). It seems terribly hard for those at home to lose their loved ones, but I suppose it is the price that a good many have got to pay before we can crush for ever such a ruthless foe. I was not there at the time, but from what I hear your husband did not suffer much, as he was asleep. Every man in the Battery wishes me to tell you how sorry they all feel for you."

12 July 1918

CHEW - In loving memory of my dear husband, Gunner Riley Chew, who was killed in his dug-out in France, July 14th, 1917.

Somewhere in France in a soldier's grave
Lies my dear loved one amongst the brave;
Oh, God, how mysterious and strange are Thy ways,
To take my dear loved one in the best of his days.

From his sorrowing Wife and Daughter, Swindon Moor Head, Hellifield.

CHEW - In loving memory of our dear son, Gunner Riley Chew, who was killed in his dug-out in France, July 14th, 1917.

When last we saw his smiling face,
He seemed so strong and brave;
We little thought how soon he'd be
Laid in a soldier's grave.

From his Father, Mother, Brothers and Sisters, Scaleber Farm, Gargrave.

19 July 1918

CHEW - In loving memory of our dear brother, Gunner Riley Chew, who was killed in his dug-out in France July 14th, 1917.

Sleep on, dear brother, in a far-off grave,
A grave we may never see;
But as long as life and memory last;
We will remember thee.

From his Brother and Sister, 30 Albert Street, Low Moor, Clitheroe

11 July 1919

CHEW - In loving memory of our dear brother, Gunner Riley Chew, R.G.A., who was killed in France on July 14th, 1917.

Two years have passed since that sad day,
But our love for you will always stay.

From Mary and Dan, Syke Side, Altham.

16 July 1920

CHEW - In loving memory of Gunner Riley Chew, R.G.A., killed in France July 14th, 1917.

No loving hand clasped his that day,
No home voice said good-bye;
We could not hear his last farewell,
But God himself was nigh.

From Father, Mother, Brothers and Sisters.

"Gone, but not forgotten."

From his loving Wife and Child, Kirksyke, Bell Busk.

15 July 1921

CHEW - In loving memory of Gunner Riley Chew. R.G.A.. killed in France, July 14th, 1917.

In a far and foreign graveyard,
Where trees and leaves do wave,
Lies our loving son and brother,
In a far and lonesome grave.

Ever remembered by his loving Wife and child, Kirksyke, Bell Busk.

From Father, Mother, Brothers and Sisters, Kirksyke, Bell Busk.