THE family of a heroic soldier who died during the First World War are hoping Renfrewshire residents can help them locate more information about one of his comrades.

Angela Hunter is keen to find anyone who can share photographs or details about Sergeant Henry Hewitt, who fought in the trenches alongside her great-grandfather Brunton Smith in the Royal Scots 8th Battalion.

Henry was with Brunton on the night he was fatally wounded near Bapaume, in northern France, on March 24, 1918.​

Henry wrote to Brunton’s parents to let them know what had happened and said he would come and visit them, if he made it back.

Until a few years ago, Brunton’s final resting place was unknown. However, the Royal Scots hero was traced following research by Andy Pugh, the nephew of another soldier.

He got in touch with Angela’s father, also named Brunton, as he believed he may have found Brunton Smith’s grave, which was until then unnamed.

Using this new information, Angela’s father was able to produce further evidence to prove to the War Graves Commission that the buried soldier was Brunton Smith, which meant his grave could be re-dedicated.

Now, 104 years after his death, Brunton’s burial site will finally be marked as his family attend a ceremony of dedication at Bancourt Military Cemetery, in France, this November.

Following these developments, Angela is now keen to find out more about Brunton’s friend Henry, who worked in Renfrewshire after fighting in the First World War.

He was born to parents John and Mary in 1881, and 20 years later, he was living with his mother in Glenside Cottages, Roslin, where he worked as a carpet weaver at the local mill.

Henry would go on to marry Agnes Bryon Coutts in 1908 and they later had a son called John.

Angela told The Gazette: “The only information I can find out about him after the war is from valuation rolls, as the 1921 census isn’t yet available. 

“From 1925 to 1940, Henry worked as a carpet weaver in Paisley. The addresses given were Gilmour Street and Love Street. 

“I’m guessing he probably lived out his years in Paisley. It would be interesting to find out more about him, as he was such good friends with my great-grandfather.”

If you have information about Henry, get in touch by emailing editorial@the-gazette.co.uk.