Regiment: Royal Field Artillery.
Died: 11 March 1917 aged 20 in France. Died of wounds.
Cemetery: Hebuterne Mil Cemetery III Q 1
Son of L. H. Lovett-Thomas, Hillside, Broadstone. b. Feb 6th 1897.
Army II—I. House Scholar. House Prefect.
R.M.A. Woolwich; 165th Bde. Royal Field Artillery 1915. M.C.
'He passed into Woolwich in 1915 and received his commission in the R.F.A. in the same year. In January 1916 he was sent with his brigade to Egypt, and to another front in the following March. For splendid services rendered on February 17th, 1917, when he kept up communication with a forward infantry report centre under the most difficult conditions, he was awarded the Military Cross, but the honour was not announced until after his death, which occurred on March 11th, from wounds received on that day while he was acting as officer in charge of the guns. Letters received from his brigade describe him as a very gallant soldier, invariably plucky and cheerful, and emphasise his manly worth, his exceptional ability, and his very lovable personality. "He was," writes his C.O. in reference to one particularly trying occasion, "just his bright cheerful-serious little self all the time." The words aptly hit off the nature of the boy, as we knew him.' (Malvernian, Jun 1917).
Bideford Gazette 10th April 1917:
He proceeded to Egypt with his brigade in January, 1916, and to another front in the following March. His commanding officer writes: "I have lost my most efficient and best-loved officer. I cannot speak too highly of him, both as a gentleman and officer. For splendid services rendered to his country on the 17th of February, he was mentioned to those in higher command."
'Hebuterne. 11/3/17. HQ & Battery positions shelled. Casualties 2nd Lieut R S Lovett-Thomas 'C' Battery fatally injured. 1 OR wounded.' (Unit War Diary).
Northam remembered
Service record:WO 339/45693
Unit war diary:WO 95/2349/3