Remembering Local WWII Heroes: Robert Sawtelle and Foster Robare
WINCHENDON – Young Robert Sawtelle and his father Lyman were enthusiastic outdoorsmen who never backed down from an opportunity for adventure.
In fact, when Robert was very young and would accompany his father on fishing trips, Lyman would tie his son to the boat for fear he would fall overboard during their many excursions. The two would also be companions on many hunting trips.
Much of his spare time during his youth was occupied with tying flies and putting fishing equipment in condition.He was one of the youngest members of the Winchendon Rod and Gun Club and became actively interested in the organization, taking part in several sports gatherings throughout the year. He also became an auxiliary fireman in town, regularly attending meetings of that group.
Once he enlisted in the service, Robert’s experience in hunting would help him to win the rifle medal at Camp Wheeler, Georgia, where he was high man in the various shoots.
His name would long be associated among the sportsmen of the town.
This is the continuation of the series Remembering Local World War II Heroes.
Pvt. Robert H. Sawtelle (1926-1945)
Robert Henry Sawtelle was born in Winchendon on March 6, 1926, the son of Lyman Kenneth and Alice K. (Hager) Sawtelle and lived at 54 School St.
He was educated in local schools and was a member of the Murdock High Class of 1944, but decided to leave school to enter the Marines. At the time, the Marine quota was full, so instead he graduated in 1944 and entered the Army on July 31 of that summer.
Sawtelle trained at Camp Wheeler in Macon, Georgia before returning home for a 30-day furlough. An avid hunter, his excellent marksmanship was well known. During the furlough, he was successful in shooting a 150-pound doe in the Richmond, New Hampshire region.
He then left on Christmas Day 1944 for Camp Meade, Maryland and was shipped overseas to France on Dec. 31, 1944, with the 275th Infantry, 70th Infantry Division.
In his first letter home to his parents, dated Jan. 21, he wrote that when going through Paris no opportunity was given the boys to stop in the city as movement of the troops was so rapid. He landed on the French coast and was fighting with the 7th Army in Southern France near the Italian border.
While in the German sector on Feb. 19, 1945, just two short weeks before his 19th birthday, Pvt. Sawtelle, 18, was killed in action according to a telegram received from the War Department by his parents.
Whether or not he had a premonition of his own death, in his last letter written two days before his death he enclosed money from his pay saying he would not need it, according to a story in the Winchendon Courier.
More:Remembering local World War II heroes from Winchendon; one died on his way home
Friends later described him as having a “sunny disposition and friendly personality (which) endeared him to the young and older alike, and his kindly nature never harbored a mean trait.”
He was buried in Riverside Cemetery, Winchendon. In addition to his parents, he was also survived by two younger siblings, his sister Peggie and brother Gary.
In June of 1945, the Winchendon Rod and Gun Club purchased the property of Miss Kate Moore of Brookline, Massachusetts, which was situated on River Street, familiarly known as the Howard Four Corners. It became the permanent quarters of the club and was dedicated as Camp Pvt. Robert H. Sawtelle, in honor of the young local hero who was such a fishing and hunting enthusiast.
Pvt. Foster H. Robare (1917-1945)
Foster Henry Robare was born on May 1, 1917 in Ticonderoga, New York, the son of Peter and Christina C. (Caza) Robare. He graduated from Ticonderoga High School with the Class of 1935.
Later, he moved to Winchendon with his parents and lived at 193 Mill St., Winchendon. He was employed for a time by Thomas McCarthy of Elmwood Road.
Robare registered for the service on Aug. 22, 1941 in Elvina, New York. While working for Cass Dairy Farm of Athol in 1942, he was involved in a truck accident where he struck a tree and overturned the vehicle. He suffered severe bruises from which he eventually recovered. He was later employed by New England Wooden Ware Corp.
He went on to enlist on Nov. 29, 1944 and at the time lived at 360 Front St., Winchendon.
Pvt. Foster was serving with the Army at Camp Blanding in Clay, Florida, when he was stricken ill with pneumonia.On Jan. 16, 1945, he died at the age of 27 from his illness and was buried in Calvary Cemetery, Winchendon. In addition to his parents, he had a brother named Merton W. Robare, who at the time of his brother’s death was a Fireman First Class serving with the U.S. Navy.
Comments and suggestions for Remembering Local World War II Heroes can be sent to Mike Richard at mikerichard0725@gmail.com or in writing to Mike Richard, 92 Boardley Road, Sandwich, MA 02563.
This article originally appeared on Gardner News: World War II heroes Robert Sawtelle, Foster Robare of Winchendon
