25/623 Rifleman David Frew, (1890-15/9/1916). "love's electric flame"

Mr Andrew Frew, Mosgiel, received word last evening that his son, David Frew, had been killed in action on September 15. The deceased soldier left with the New Zealand Rifle Brigade, and was in his 26th year. He was very keen to get to the front, and to do this disposed of his interest in the firm of Messrs Frew Bros., Mosgiel, to his brother. He took great interest in the harrier club, find will be much missed in athletic circles.  -Evening Star, 3/10/1916.

On the morning of September 15 David Frew's Battalion (3rd) was in the second wave of infantry which marched over no-man's-land towards the German trenches.  They were largely successful, with the help of well-directed artillery and that new weapon of war, the tank.  But men were lost in gaining ground, and one of them was David Frew.

FOR THE EMPIRE'S CAUSE

DEATHS

FREW. — On September 15, 1916, killed while in action in France, Rifleman David Frew (New Zealand Rifle Brigade), dearly-loved fourth son of Mr and Mrs A. Frew, Mosgiel; aged 26 years. 

Blessed in life and in death. 

I think in the light of God 

His likeness stamps my brow,

Thro' the Valley of Death my feet have trod, 

But I reign in glory now. 

No breaking heart is here, 

No keen and thrilling pain, 

No wasted cheek where the frequent tear 

Hath rolled and left its stain. 

I have reached the joys of heaven, 

I am one of the sainted band, 

For my head a crown of gold is given 

And a harp is in my hand. 

I have learned the song they sang 

Whom Jesus has set free, 

And the glorious walls of heaven 

still ring With my new-born melody. 

No sin, no grief, no pam, 

Safe in my happy home; 

My fears all fled, my doubts all slain, 

My hour of triumph's come. 

Oh, friends of mortal years, 

The trusted and the true, 

Ye are watching still in the valley of tears, 

But I wait to welcome you. 

Do I forget? Oh, no; 

For memory's golden chain 

Shall bind my heart to the hearts below 

Till they meet and touch again. 

Each link is strong and bright, 

And love's electric flame 

Flows freely down like a river of light 

To the world from whence I came. 

Do you mourn when another star 

Shines out from the glittering sky? 

Do you weep when the raging voice of war 

And the storms of war's conflict die?

then why should your tears run down

and your hearts be sorely riven

for another gem in the Saviour's crown

And another soul crowned in heaven?   -Otago Daily Times, 10/10/1916.

FOR KING AND COUNTRY

DEATHS

FREW. — In fond and loving memory of David Frew, killed in action at the Somme, France, 15th September, 1916. 

Mourn not, for he’s climbed the pathway 

that heroes and martyrs trod; 

He gave his life for his country; 

he now stands in the glory of God. 

— Inserted by his loved ones.  -Evening Star, 15/9/1917.