60 Squadron, Royal Air Force
William Bernard Newth, born 7 September 1899, was the eldest of four children born to Walter Charles Henry Newth and his wife Sarah Jane and they lived at Hillcot, Queens Road, Stonehouse.
At the time of the 1911 Census the family had moved to 35 Malefant Street, Cardiff and Walter Newth stated his occupation to be ‘traveller in wholesale stationery’.
It is likely that William Newth went straight into the family business from school, as upon enlistment his occupation was a Commission Agent, with W C H Newth, Stonehouse.
He died at Stonehouse on 25 February 1919, aged 19.
The Stroud News of 28 February 1919 reported:
‘Flight Lieut. W B Newth, Royal Air Force, son of Mr & Mrs W C H Newth of Stonehouse, died of pneumonia contracted on active service.’
He appears to have been posted home on 17 February 1919.
He was originally a Royal Air Force (RAF) Cadet and looks to have been at Turnberry, Ayrshire from 2 September 1918. It is likely that he was on pilot training prior to gaining a commission as a Second Lieutenant on 10 November 1918.
His National Archive file (AIR76/370) shows him serving with 60 Squadron RAF as a SE5 pilot, with previous experience of the DH6.
He had seen service with the British Expeditionary Force in France.
His Medal Index Card at the National Archives shows that he was originally with the 206th (Training Reserve) Infantry Battalion as No 1817.
He died unmarried and his estate of £192 15s was administered by his father.
William’s grave in the Stonehouse (St Cyr) Churchyard Extension is marked by a standard CWGC headstone on what was originally a private headstoned grave.
Researched by Graham Adams 14 March 2013