| Notes |
- Herbert Redvers Pitcher was born on 13 August 1887 in St. John's. He was baptized on 14 September 1887 in the Anglican Cathedral in St. John's. Herbert is listed with his cousin Sarah Fry Miller in the 1910 census for Chelsea City, Massachusettes. Herbert married Mary Susan Smith, daughter of Isaac Smith and Lucinda Stoyles, on 27 April 1912 in St. John's. Mary was born on 19 July 1890 in Southport, Trinity Bay.
Herbert joined the Royal Newfoundland Regiment in July 1915 and was assigned regimental # 1729. He lived at 148 New Gower Street at the time. He spent time at the depot in Ayr, Scotland and went to France in 1918 and was selected for a boat race at Paris. He returned home in May of 1919 and was demobilized in June of that year.
Herbert and Mary are listed on Golf Ave. in St. John's in the 1921 census records. Mary died on 25 July 1925 and was buried in the Cross Roads Anglican Cemetery, Gooseberry Cove, Trinity Bay.
Herbert went to the USA again 1922. He signed his papers to petition for naturalization on 1 August 1929 - at that time he was listed as a widow. Herbert is listed in the 1930 census for Bronx, New York with his wife Eva L. Eva was born about 1892 in Cincinati. She was working as a teacher and Herbert was a saleman. Herbert signed his naturalization papers on 12 January 1931 and at that time he was living at 4064 Bronx Blvd, Bronx, NY. Herbert returned to Newfoundland for a visit August 1935 - at that time he was listed as a widow.
Herbert died in New York on 3 February 1953.
June 17, 1909 Evening Telegram
Disgusted. Mr. Herbert Pitcher, of the West find, a young man who organized meetings of young voters and acted as Chairman in each case, leaves by the Florizel for New York. Mr. Pitcher was promised a certain small position by the People's Party'97God gave the mark, that such a designation should be given such a Government'97applied for it. but they did not even have the courtesy to reply to his letter, and he is now forced to not even have the courtesy to reply young voters in the West End would vote for that party if another election was held to-morrow.
July 1, 1913 Evening Telegram
Hit With a Flat Iron. At 5.U0 p.m. yesterday Consts. Day and Blundon were called to the residence of the Pitcher family on Central Street where a fracas occurred which came near ending in, the death of Frederick Pitcher. Hard words had, passed between the man and his brother Herbert, when the latter seized a heavy flat iron and, striking his brother with great force in the head, inr flicted two severe cuts, one'on the side of the head and the other on the back. The man bled profusely and Dr. Stafford was called and attended to his injuries. Herbert was taken to the police station by the officers.
July 4, 1913 - Evening telegram
The Pitcher Case. Mr. Brian Dunfield, on behalf of Mr. Herbert Pitcher, informs us that it is not correct, as we stated, that Mr. Herbert Pitcher "seized a heavy flat-iron and striking his brother with great force in the head inflicted two severe cuts," and that the affair "came near ending in the death of Frederick Pitcher." He takes exception also to the statement in our police court report of Tuesday that "a laborer for assaulting and wounding his brother with a flat-iron was remanded." This latter statement was taken from the police charge. Mr. Dunfield tells us his client's case is as follows: Mr. Frederick Pitcher, somewhat under the influence of drink, entered the house where Herbert Pitcher lives and a dispute arose. Mr. Frederick Pitcher was the aggressor and in the course of the quarrel, Mr. Frederick Pitcher fell and his head came into contact with an iron stand, used as a stand for a flat-iron, and a wound was inflicted, which Dr. Stafford states is consistent with a fall against the stand, but not with a striking with a flat-iron. The police case was called up on Tuesday and postponed in order that Mr. Herbert Pitcher might take out a Cross summons. Meanwhile the parties settled their difference and the police withdrew the charge against Mr. Herbert Pitcher, which they found to be without foundation. We obtained our information from what we took as reliable quarters and from the charge sheet. We regret, however, we were misled and gave publicity to information which now proves unreliable.
St. John's Daily Star, January 17, 1916
Christmas at Ayr enjoyed by lads
Turkey and plum pudding - thanks for W.P.A gifts - highest praise for Nfld Regiment
By yesterday's mail we received the following chatty and interesting letter from Herbert
Pitcher, formerly of Hon. J.C. Crosbie's employ who, left here with E Co.
The letter was written on New Year's Day and we thank him fpr his good wishes.
The letter which is as follows will we feel certain be read with interest by all.
"I am enclosing a clipping from the Ayr Observer which I think will be interesting to the people who are interested in the Newfoundland Regiment.
Well, this is Christmas once again and some ol us away from home.
We had a great dinner to-day some thing out of the usual food we ate served with (which is very good indeed). To-day we had turkey and plum pudding, cabbage, potatoes, and turnips. Roast beef and corned beef after that we were served with fruit and drinks.
Cake and chocolate
Yesterday we received a cake and chocolate irom the W.P.A. which we one and all certainly appreciated. Many, many thanks to them all that is what the boys all say.
We are all well and feeling in fine spirits and only wishing that the time will come when our names will be read out comprising the next draft.
There is an exhibition in Ayr to-day two 7 M.M. field guns captured Sept. 27 by the 37 Division Royal Scotch Fusiliers.
I have nothing more at present to say as I always prefer writing a post card, but I hope this will be interesting if you have not already received a copy.
Wishing you a Merry Christmas and a very bright and prosperous New Year.
We have been drafted to Ayr to E Co and will I expect make the next draft, that is 9 Platoon and 5 and 6 section of 10 Platoon. We are getting instructed in bayonet fighting and musketry. The clipping is:-
The Newfoundlanders in Action
Complimented in brigade orders
The following is an extract from a brigade order issued by Brigadier General D.S. Cayley C.M.G. with the Mediterranean Expeditionary Force in Gallipoli. The order was issued after the Newfoundland Regiment had captured a position which is now known as "Caribou Hill" the caribou being the crest of the Regiment:-
The G.O.C. wishes to place on record his appreciation of the excellent work done by the Newfoundland Regiment during the operations of the last few days. By their conduct in this their first important work they have brought distinction to the Brigade and have proved themselves to be possessed of self reliance, bravery, and tenacity, the first qualities of a good soldier. C Company has gained honor for that Battalion and Newfonndland. At the same time it is a certainty that other Companies will do equally as well when they get their chance. The whole Battalion has been called upon for several exertions during the past week and it has responded finely.
Thanks to Newfoundland an appreciable advance has been made against the enemy."
Story of Regiment
The Newfonndland Contingent was raised, without any suggestion from outside, in August 1914, by he Colony of Newfonndland, and the first 500 arrived in Great Britain and were stationed on Salisbury Plain in October 1914. In December these men were moved to Fort George, Inverness and, in February 1913, to Edinburgh Castle, the first non-Scottish troops to garrison the castle for many years.
While in Edinburgh the remainder of the battalion arrived, and the nucleus of the Second Battalion. In May he whole Contingent was moved to Stobs, for held training; and furlher reinforcements were received from Newfoundland. On August 2,1915 the First Battalion was moved to Aldershot, and three weeks later sailed from a british port for the Mediterranean, landing at Suvla Bay (which has recently been successfully evacuated) on 19th September 1915.
Many losses
During their sojourn in the trenches of the Gallipoli Peninsula the First Battalion has suffered many losses. The Commanding Officer, and over 100 rank and file have been wounded, and one officer and 63 rank and file have lost their lives in action.
The Second Battalion was formed on August 2nd, 1915 and was moved to Newton Park School, Ayr on August 25. In November last 300 officers and other ranks arrived from Newfoundland to reinforce the Second Battalion, and further drafts are being sent as required, to keep the Second Battalion to the required strength to enable it to train and send reinforcements to the front."
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1887 - 1953 (65 years)
