The Wartime Memories Project - The Great War

Those who Served - Surnames beginning with W.

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World War 1 One ww1 wwII greatwar great 1914 1918 first battalion regiment

500722

Sjt. A. A. Whitlock

British Army 155th Field Coy Royal Engineers

(d.7th Jun 1917)




244774

Pte. Bertram Whitlock

British Army 7th Battalion London Regiment

from:Charlton, London

(d.2nd December 1917)

Bertram Whitlock was killed in action on the 2nd of December 1917 at Bourlon Wood near Cambrai, France. He is remembered on the Cambrai Memorial, Louverval France. Survived by wife Rose later Rose Salter, and 2 sons Sidney Bertram and William.




253620

Frank Talbut Whitlock




220657

Pte. George Charles Whitlock MM & bar.

British Army 11th Btn. Sherwood Foresters

(d.23rd Nov 1917)

George Whitlock was the son of William and Kate Whitlock, of Bransgore, Christchurch, Hants and husband of Alice Whitlock, of Brooklyn, Great Easton, Dunmow, Essex.




240839

Cpl. Robert Whitlock MM.

British Army 2nd Battalion Devonshire Regiment

from:Tintinhull

(d.31st October 1918)

My great grandfather Robert Whitlock died on 31st October 1918 while saving an officer. The 2nd Battalion of the Devonshire Regiment had reached the Scheldt River by then and so I am assuming that this was just after the Battle of Courtrai, which ended on 22nd October 1918. I am not sure when Robert joined up, but I am guessing he would have been at the Battle of the Bois des Buttes in May 1918, which was the 2nd Battalion's bloodiest action.




248109

Cpl. Robert Whitlock MM.

British Army 2nd Battalion Devonshire Regiment

from:Tintinhull, Somerset

(d.31st October 1918)

Robert Whitlock's birth record shows that he was born in Woodstock, Oxfordshire, on 25th January 1888, to John and Rhoda Whitlock. He had an older sister according to the 1891 census. The 1888 baptism record for Woodstock shows Robert's baptism date as April 22nd 1888 and his father John's profession as a glover. The baptism ceremony was performed by Assistant Curate T. E. Chataway. The couple are listed towards the bottom of the 1891 census return from Woodstock, Oxfordshire. They lived in a 4-room house in Browns Lane. The 1901 census still shows them living at that address. It also shows that Robert's sister was working by then as what appears to be a domestic servant and Robert is listed as some kind of assistant. Robert married Mary Elizabeth Rogers in Yeovil in the first quarter of 1910. The 1911 Census shows Robert in that year as being aged 23 and Mary aged 31. Robert's occupation is listed as a leather dresser working for a glove manufacturer. The company concerned was a gloving factory in Tintinhull, which at the time of Robert's occupancy was called the Tintinhull Glove Company Ltd. Robert's daughter, Florence I Whitlock, was born in the last quarter of 1911 judging by the Birth Registration for October to December 1911. Robert's son, my grandfather, was born in the first quarter of 1915 according to the Birth Registration for January to March 1915. Robert had already enlisted by then and was in active service in the First World War, though probably undergoing training prior to deployment to France. There is a photo of him and his family which was probably taken at some point in 1915, probably just prior to embarkation. Both children were baptised in Tintinhull and the address for the family is given as a 5-room house in Tintinhull.

Robert enlisted in Yeovil into the 7th Battalion, Somerset Light Infantry, which disembarked in France (at Boulogne) on 24th July 1915. A gratuity record suggests he enlisted in August or September 1914. According to an entry in The London Gazette dated 18th October 1917, Robert was still serving with 7SLI at the time he was awarded the Military Medal, which would have been awarded for an act of gallantry under fire.

Judging by his later service number, 32186, it seems it was transferred into the 2nd Battalion, Devonshire Regiment in late June 1918. This was almost certainly as part of the rebuilding of that unit after 2nd Devonshires had suffered heavy casualties at the battle of the Bois des Buttes in May 1918.

A detailed report which includes Robert's unit, B Company, 2nd Devonshires, shows that Robert died at some point on the 31st of October 1918, just 12 days before the end of the war, during the attempt on that day to cross the Scheldt (French name for that river is the Escaut). The report refers to heavy casualties being inflicted by the Germans around 11 am, at which point the unit had companies on both sides of the river and were trying to extricate the companies on the far bank back across the river.

The entry for 11.00 reads: "Report from Officer Commanding B Company on Fosse Armoury, B Company HQ. A runner swam the river and arrived minus his boots, coat etc. Officer Commanding reports Lieutenant Sayes killed and casualties very heavy. B Company out of touch with D Company and unable to evacuate wounded. Previous runner drowned in an attempt to get message through. Reply sent to B Company to hold on. Relief being sent tonight."

Thereafter, the entries read

  • "11.45 hours: One platoon of C Company to reinforce Captain Brokenshire on bank. Lieutenant Napier carried a wounded man on his back across the bridge under the bombardment. A Company's casualties in street caused adjacent to Battalion HQ.
  • 15.10 hours: Fairly frequent heavy bursts of shellfire. Total casualties estimated about 80. Operational order received for relief tonight.
  • 16.40 hours: Orders received to withdraw posts immediately and proceed to billets. Situation on flanks responsible.
  • 17.30 hours: Report received from Captain Taylor that bridge has been broken. More pontoons due from Royal Engineers. Crossing progressing slowly [I am assuming here this refers to the extrication of the unit back across the river].
  • 18.30 hours: A and C Companies clear
  • 19.15 hours: B Company clear and all wounded across.
  • 19.30 hours: 490th Company Royal Engineers arrived with more Jerusalems [pontoons]
  • 19.50 hours: Last of D Company across and Brigade wired to this effect."
The Burial Return for Valenciennes Communal Cemetery shows that there was a cross on Robert's grave at the time of discovery and that no personal effects were forwarded on to the unit's base. His name is listed on the Graves Registration Report for Valenciennes dated 4th September 1920 and the Imperial War Graves Commission report of headstone inscriptions. His name is also inscribed on the war memorial in the graveyard of St Margaret's Church in Tintinhull (erected in 1920 according to Tintinhull Local History Group).




248751

Cpl. Robert Whitlock MM

British Army 7th Battalion Somerset Light Infantry

from:Tintinhull, Somerset

(d.31st Oct 1918)

Robert Whitlock was originally born in Woodstock, Oxfordshire. He then moved to Tintinhull in Somerset where he worked for Tintinhull Glove Factory. In 1910, Robert married Mary Elizabeth Rogers. They had two children, Florence (born 1911) and Reginald (born 1915). On the outbreak of war, Robert enlisted in Yeovil with the 7th Battalion Somerset Light Infantry. He served as a medic and was promoted to corporal at some point during his service with 7SLI. In 1917, he was awarded the Military Medal for gallantry. In the summer of 1918, probably mid to late June, Robert was transferred to the 2nd Battalion Devonshire Regiment (B Company), presumably as part of the attempt to reinforce the Devonshire's after their mauling at Bois des Buttes. On 31st October 1918, 12 days before the end of the war, Robert was killed on the North bank of the Scheldt (L'Escaut) during the British attempt to cross that river on that day. He was buried where he fell and his body was later moved to St Roch cemetery in Valenciennes.

Robert's medals and ID tag

Robert's medals and ID tag




2129

Private Edward "Eddy" Whitlow

Army 2/4th Battalion South Lancashire Regiment

from:at Railway View, Padgate, Warrington

Private Edward Whitlow enlisted in the 2/4th Btn South Lancs regiment part of the 57th 2nd west lancs division. He joined the territorials at Warrington on 22nd November 1915, under the Derby Scheme. This meant that he was immediately posted to the Army Reserve and sent home to await call-up. The call came on 20th January 1917 he was sent to France 15 February 1917 arriving at Merris on 23 February 1917 and 3 days later 26 February 1917 sent to the front just North of Le Tilleloy. He was gassed and evacuated back to UK (Eastbourne) on 1 August 1917. When he was sufficiently recovered, he was posted to ‘A’ Company of the 3rd Btn. of his regiment on 19th February, 1919, and served in Dublin, Ireland for some time. He was finally discharged from the Army on 13th June, 1919. He was adjudged to be 30% disabled due to “Inflammation of the stomach” which was attributed to his war service. He was granted a pension of 8s. 3d per week to be reviewed after 1 year. On discharge, his military character was described as “good”.




206161

Pte. Lewis Ainsworth Whitmore

British Army Durham Light Infantry

from:Leeds

My father, Lewis Whitmore was born in 1898 and was very young when he went to war as others were. We are trying to determine where he went during the war. He served with the Durham Light Infantry and the 258 Graduated Training Reserve Battalion which is an obscure one and as yet we do not know exactly where he served, but he was gassed during the war ending his service and he later died of lung disease, leaving a wife and very young son, my father. We hope soon to shed more light on his life.




233631

Pte. William Whitmore

British Army 2nd Btn. King's Own Yorkshire Light Infantry

from:Sheffield

(d.18th April 1915)

My grandfather, Pte William Whitmore served with the 2nd KOYLI. I found he is buried in Oosttaverne Wood Cemetery but I can't find any mention of action in 1915 for this battalion. I am trying to find information.




243006

Pte William Ernest Whitmore

British Army 3rd Btn Essex Regiment




250819

Pte. John Whitney

British Army 19th Btn Durham Light Infantry

from:Stanley, Co. Durham

(d.28th Sept 1918)




248093

Pte. Albert William Whittaker

British Army 5th Battalion Kings Own Yorkshire Light Infantry

from:Allerton Bywater, Castleford

(d.15th Apr 1918)

Albert Whittaker is buried in Gezaincourt Communal Cemetery and Extension in Northern France.




263764

Pte. Albert William Whittaker

British Army D Coy, 5th Btn. Kings Own Yorkshire Light Infantry

from:Allerton Bywater, Castleford

(d.15th Apr 1918)

Albert Whittaker (my paternal great uncle) was the son of Miriam and the late Frank Whittaker, who lived in Allerton Bywater, Castleford, West Yorkshire. He saw action in France and was killed in action and was laid to rest at Gezaincourt Communal Cemetery Extension. Aged 26.

Remembered with honour.




241841

Pte. Ernest Whittaker

British Army 11th Btn. Lancashire Fusiliers

(d.9th Jun 1917)

Ernest Whittaker served with the 11th Lancashire Fusiliers.




241880

Pte. Ernest Whittaker

British Army 20th (5th City) Btn. Manchester Regiment

from:Levenshulme, Manchester

Ernest Whittaker was my father's brother, I know very little about him only a roll of honour from Levenshulme Congregational Church saying: "Served with His Majesty's forces in the Great war of 1914-18"




224074

Pte. Frank Whittaker

British Army East Lancashire Regiment

I believe my grandfather, Frank Whittaker, was in the East Lancashire Regiment, but not sure which battalion. My father told me he was in Egypt, Palestine and France.




223578

L/Cpl. Frederick Whittaker

British Army 1st Btn. Border Regiment

(d.1st Jul 1915)

Frederick Whitaker is buried in the East Mudros Military Cemetery, Island of Lemnos, Greece.




219802

George Franklin Whittaker

British Army 15th Btn. Sherwood Foresters

My Great Grandfather George Franklin Whittaker joined the 15th Sherwood Foresters on 9th Dec 1915 and was sent to France on 29th December 1916.

George was captured by the Germans on 24th Mar 1918 at Maricourt, as the Germans advanced during the Kaiserschlacht. Stripped of his equipment he was then marched to Munster and set to work. On the march he was given no food for the first four days and when he was given food it was basic and in short supply. His diary, kept during captivity is held in the archives of the Imperial War Museum.




233591

Cpl. George Whittaker

British Army 6th Btn. Cheshire Regiment

from:Comberbach

My grandfather, George Whittaker, previously served in the Indian Army and during WW1 signed up with the 6th Cheshire Regiment at St Margaret's Camp, Heaton Park, Manchester. My mother told me that he was poison gassed in France in 1918 and came to convalesce at Dalmeney, Ramsey, Isle of Man. He went on to live in Hightown, near Southport, and, because of his health, had to work outside as a gardener.




216138

Pte. Henry Whittaker

British Army 1st Btn. Northumberland Fusiliers

from:Gateshead

(d.14th Jan 1917)

Henry Whittaker enlisted at Jarrow and served in X Company 1st Battalion, Northumberland Fusiliers. He died on the 14th January 1917 and is remembered at Newcastle upon Tyne (St Andrew's and Jesmond) Cemetery. His medal card shows the award of the 1915 Star, War and Victory Medals.

Henry was born in Jarrow 1881, son of John and Sarah Whittaker of Hartlepool. He was married to Ada Annie Whittaker of 14 Powell's Cottages, Carr's Hill, Gateshead.




239857

Pte. John Whittaker MM.

British Army 5th Battalion Border Regiment

from:Liverpool

Jack Whittaker was my great uncle. He joined the army in 1915 under the Lord Derby scheme. He won the military medal for valour when he captured a German machine gun trench.




244646

Pte. John Whittaker

British Army 1st Bn. Sherwood Foresters (Notts and Derby Regiment)

from:Flintham, Notts

(d.22nd Jul 1916)




249243

Pte William Rostron Whittaker MM & Bar.

British Army 1/24th Btn. London Regiment

from:Chesterfield

William Whittaker enlisted in the 12th Battalion, Notts & Derbyshire Regiment (Sherwood Foresters) on the 8th of Dec 1914, he was aged 20. On the 29th of Aug 1915 he was posted to France. On the 26th of Aug 1918 William transferred to 1/24th Battalion London Regiment and during the action at St Pierre Vaast Wood on 1st to 3rd of Sept 1918, he was awarded a bard to his Military Medal which had been awarded in May or Jun 1918.




258527

Pte. William Rostron Whittaker MM & Bar.

British Army 12th (Pioneer) Btn. Sherwood Foresters

from:Chesterfield

William Whittaker joined the Sherwood Foresters Notts & Derby Regiment in 1915. He arrived in France 29th Aug 1915 with the 12th (Pioneers) Battalion. He was awarded the Military Medal in June/July 1918, Gazetted 13 Sept 1918, Later he transferred to 1/24th Battalion, Queens Royal West Surrey Regiment in August 1918. He was awarded Bar to the MM in Sept 1918, Gazetted 23 July 1919.

William was a very quiet, gentle person who never mentioned the war but clearly had suffered and seen some unspeakable horrors.




258968

Pte. William Rostron Whittaker MM & Bar.

British Army 2/5th Btn. Sherwood Foresters

from:Chesterfield

William Whittaker originally enlisted into 12th (Pioneer) Battalion in December 1914, and was later transferred to the 2/5th Battalion after being hospitalised.




212956

Sgt. Arthur Whittall

British Army 3th Btn. Worcestershire Regiment

from:Kidderminster

Arthur Wittall is my Grandfather. He lost a leg and a hand in the Battle of Messines, plus 17 other critical injuries. His life was in the balance for several months and he was in hospital for 3 years after the war. He then became a Labour Councillor in his home town of Kidderminster, fighting for ex servicemen, those in the work house and for better housing conditions. Whittall drive in Kidderminster is named after him.




238746

Bmbdr. Harold Henry Whittall

Royal Garrison Artillery 168 Siege Bty.

(d.14th October 1918)




258302

Pte. Charles Ernest Whitter

British Army 7th Battalion East Lancashire Regiment

from:Manchester

(d.7th June 1917)

Charles Whitter was born in Manchester in 1886. He died in the Battle of Mssines and is remembered on the Menin Gate in Ypres, Belgium. Leaving wife and 1 year old Daughter.




225916

Sgt. Henry Charles "Dick" Whittington

British Army 15th (Civil Service Rifles) Btn. London Regiment

from:Uxbridge

My father, Henry Whittington was in the 15th Battalion, Civil Service Rifles, London Regiment, and wounded badly in the Battle of the Somme. I have a photo of him in uniform with others who I think must also have been members of the Civil Service Rifles. The names are printed on the photo in very small grey print but appear to be as follows:

  • G E White
  • S J S Fright
  • S O Shave
  • H C Whittington
  • S F Edser
  • F H Millman
  • F Holt
  • C J Andrews
  • G F Ive
  • J S Ruttle
  • P D J Kmightley
  • W J Saville
  • R Jobling
  • F H Bushnell
  • H Lewis

The name Fred Bushell is a familiar one from my childhood - he was either a friend, or possibly the boss, at the PLA where my father worked as an accounting officer - it is possible that all those in this photo worked at the PLA. I have just discovered a note on the back of the photo cover which says 'Souvenir of the Controllers Office'.

I also have a leather bound copy of a small volume of writings by Pte Edward Loxdale, also of the Civil Service Rifles, entitled 'A souvenir of a Soldier'. Some of the writings were published in the Territorial Service Gazette or The Star. My father has annotated the booklet at various points, including naming all the individuals on a photo:

  • Lew Martin
  • Jacobs
  • Hundleby
  • Coward
  • Loxdale
  • R J Thompson
  • Ern Kettle
  • Jack Rose
  • Sgt. "Nick" Nichol
  • Fred Ive

At the end of the booklet it states that Pte Edward Loxdale was killed in the Hohenzollern Redoubt, 1st of January 1916. There is also a Sgt. Chick was killed at Vimy Ridge on 22nd of May 1916.







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