Richard Hewitt, one of 6 known children, was the 3rd born of 4 sons and had 1 elder and 1 younger sister. His father Thomas Hewitt was born at Colliery Dykes, in 1859 married in 1882, Mary Harris, native of Cassop also in County Durham, born 1863, who prior to their marriage was a general servant at the Crown Inn, Sunniside. By 1891, having moved several times, they were living at 10, High Street, Brandon, with their 4 children, John Joseph born 1883 at Crook, Thomas 1885, Stanley, Mary Jane 1887 and Richard April 9th 1889 at Brandon. Thomas, employed as a coal miner, supported his growing family, his wife having given birth to a further 2 children over the next 3 years, Isaac 1893 and Margaret 1894. Mary Hewitt nee Harris died aged 32 years. After her death Thomas moved to 23, Durham Street, Brandon and had been joined at the colliery by John Joseph (18) a putter and Thomas (16) a driver, Mary Jane 14 remained at home, Richard (12) and Isaac (9) were scholars. Ten years later only Richard and Isaac were still living at home with their father, in 2 rooms at 28, Park Street, Brandon, County Durham.

After the declaration of war with Germany Richard enlisted and departed for the front. During his service either due to illness or having been wounded he was no longer considered fit for front line duty, transferred as Private 504992 Labour Corps, he was pensioned out of the Army free to return to his employment and his home at 10, Princess Street, Brandon Colliery. His claim for a disability pension was not upheld.

Richard was married in 1922 to widow Ellen Mills who had 2 children Sarah born 1910 and Wilfred 1914. Her husband Private 494 James Mills Durham Light Infantry had been killed on the Somme in 1916 during the opening battles. Richard and Ellen had two children of their own, Roseanna, March 28th 1927 and Thomas, July 19th 1929. In 1939 they and Wilfred Mills were living together at 50, Sunderland Street, Brandon. Richard was employed as a hewer, Wilfred Mills a datal worker, both below ground.

Richard Hewitt died in 1939 aged 50 years, 5 years after the demise of his father in 1934. Ellen Hewitt-Mills nee Reed died aged 71 years, July 16th 1961, Wilfred Mills in 1989 aged 74 years, district of Durham, details as regards his sister Sarah Mills, unknown.

Rosanna Hewitt married in 1948 to George Kirby born October 1st 1919 at Durham and with whom she had a son Allan born June 24th 1951. Rosanna Kirby nee Hewitt died October 26th 2002 aged 75 years, George Hewitt in 2004, their son Allan December 26th 2010.

Thomas Hewitt died during the 2nd quarter 1977.

In God’s safe keeping. Rest In Peace.

Richard Hewitt is included in Brandon Men who survived the war