Private Hugh Robert Hewitt (5382034) served in 2nd Battalion Oxfordshire and Buckinghamshire Light Infantry during World War Two. They made up part of 6th Airborne Division on D-Day and the crossing of the Rhine during Operation Varsity.
Born in 1917, he was the son of William Hewitt and Mary Hewitt of Kilmood, Co. Down. He married Hilda Ellen Heard of Sheldon, Birmingham, England during the war. The wedding took place between July and September 1943 in Lambeth, Surrey, England.
Private Hewitt’s regiment, 2nd Battalion Oxford and Buckinghamshire Light Infantry, were part of major World War Two events. These included D-Day, defence of the Ardennes, and crossing the Rhine.
Imperial War Museum Photo: B 5233 (Part of the War Office Second World War Official Collection). Horsa gliders near the Caen Canal bridge (Pegasus Bridge) at Benouville on 8th June 1944. Part of 6th Airborne Division's 'coup de main' force, carrying men of 'D' and 'B' Company, 2nd Battalion Oxfordshire and Buckinghamshire Light Infantry. Photo taken by Sergeant Christie - No. 5 Army Film & Photographic Unit.
Remembering Hugh Robert Hewitt
Private Hewitt died on 24th March 1945 aged 28 years old. His regiment was part of Operation Varsity. He had been in sickbay and discharged himself to take part in the campaign. Hewitt’s glider crashed on landing killing the Co. Down man.
Hugh Robert Hewitt’s grave is in Section 35, Row A, Grave 9 of Reichswald Forest War Cemetery, Nordrhein-Westfalen, Germany. His headstone bears the inscription:
Sleep on, beloved, sleep and take they rest. We loved thee well, so God bless.