Gunner Webster David, 76 Field Regt, RA

Discussion in '1940' started by Dirk, Feb 14, 2016.

  1. Dirk

    Dirk Member

    Hello,

    Some time ago an old man told me about a British field grave near the N253 (road Leuven-Nivelles) in Egenhoven (Heverlee) in Belgium.
    The grave was marked by a cross on top of which was the victim's helmet. According to my witness the helmet had 3 holes in it caused by shrapnel. Also the helmet rim was missing.

    I wonder whether this could have been the grave of Gunner Webster David, 76 Field Regiment, Royal Artillery/ Service No. 885095/ date of death 14 May 1940.

    Since 1960 Webster's final resting place is Adegem Canadian War Cemetery. Before 1960 he was buried at Heverlee Churchyard.

    Is his death being mentioned in the regimental War Diary? Where exactly was 76 Field Regt RA located during the period 10 May 1940 - 17 May 1940? Were its batteries situated on the heights overlooking Egenhoven (Heverlee) and Leuven?

    Any help would be most welcome.

    Dirk
     
  2. Drew5233

    Drew5233 #FuturePilot 1940 Obsessive

    From the Regiments war diary Dirk - Hope it helps:

    [​IMG]
    [​IMG]
    [​IMG]
     
    CL1 and Guy Hudson like this.
  3. Dirk

    Dirk Member

    Hi Andy,

    Thank you very much for the war diary pages concerning that period!
    They confirm 76 Field Regt. RA had some of its gun positions in the Egenhoven area.

    Dirk :)

    .
     
  4. battleofassche

    battleofassche Well-Known Member

    Hi Andy, could you post the page from the 76 FR RA WDs for May 18.

    Steve:)
     
  5. Drew5233

    Drew5233 #FuturePilot 1940 Obsessive

    Here you go Steve
    [​IMG]
     
    CL1 and Tricky Dicky like this.
  6. battleofassche

    battleofassche Well-Known Member

    Thanks Mate. Most helpful.
     
    Drew5233 likes this.
  7. battleofassche

    battleofassche Well-Known Member

    Andy, any chance you could post the WD page for May 19.

    Cheers Steve
     
  8. Drew5233

    Drew5233 #FuturePilot 1940 Obsessive

  9. Guy Hudson

    Guy Hudson Looker-upper

    The Courier and Advertiser Wednesday 5th June 1940

    Screen Shot 2017-11-03 at 17.58.36.png
    Screen Shot 2017-11-03 at 17.58.08.png
     
  10. Guy Hudson

    Guy Hudson Looker-upper

    R.A. casualty card confirms place of death as Heverlee, Leuven

    Screen Shot 2017-11-05 at 19.49.40.png
     
    Drew5233 likes this.
  11. Dirk

    Dirk Member

    Guy,
    thank you very much for sharing the newspaper clipping about the unfortunate young father, Gnr. Webster!

    Dirk
     
    Guy Hudson, Drew5233 and Rich Payne like this.

Share This Page