Along with his pastoral role Rev David Youngson researches military archives to ensure that all Commonwealth forces who died in the First and Second World Wars, will never be forgotten and laid to rest in a War Grave, working in close conjunction with the Commonwealth War Graves Commission.
His research uncovered Brother Herbert Harvey Hewison of Benedict Biscop Lodge, who was discharged as medically unfit prior to the armistice and died on 21st December 1918 aged 23. The (CWGC) were granted permission some years ago to honour them with war grave status and having presented the case to the CWGC, the Ministry of Defence approved the recognition of Herbert. David had been asked by CWGC to conduct a short act of dedication of the grave, similar to what I have done in Oxbridge Cemetery Stockton and 15 Ravine Cemetery, Somme, France for the Revd Alan Cecil Judd MC who had been listed as Missing.
Having agreed with Sunderland Bereavement Services the dedication took take place at Ryhope Cemetery, Sunderland on Friday 7th July 2023 @ 10:30 am. The Provincial Grand Master John Paul Thompson, accompanied by several other representatives of Durham Freemasons plus members of the deceased’s family gathered at the cemetery gates off Burdon Road, Ryhope.
They made their way to the grave where The Rev. David delivered a short dedication to Brother Herbert, the last post was played by Stewart Major, and those in attendance respected a 2-minute silence prior to the laying of wreaths, followed by the First Verse of the National Anthem.
Stronger Together
