Edgar White

Edgar enlisted quite early in the war at Derby, earning his 1915 star. He was quickly promoted and became a sergeant. He went to France in 1915 and was killed whist in action near the village of Laventie, Pas de Calais, where he is buried in the Royal Irish Graveyard.

An article in the Retford Times reads;- Sgt Edgar White Retford Times 05/11/15 Another Retford Soldier killed. It is with profound regret that we record the death of another of Retford's gallant sons. He is Sergt Edgar White 11th battalion Rifle Brigade., only son of Mr and Mrs F White 37 Albert Road, and brother of Mrs F Colton jun Carolgate. had he lived the brave lad would have been 24 years of age next Thursday. He was a scholar at the council school and had attended the congregational Sunday school and church. He was formerly employed at the G.N. Loco, where he was highly esteemed by his fellow workmen. He enlisted shortly after the outbreak of hostilities in August 1914. It was only a very short time before his death that he was promoted to Grenade Sergeant attached to the battalion headquarters. In a letter to Mr and Mrs Whites deceased comrade , Rifleman J B Wrights says; - " It is with deep regret that I have to tell you of the death of your son Edgar, who was killed on the morning of 27th October. He was shot in the head and death was instantaneous. Sid Colton , Edgar and I were so happy the few minutes we were together. , one night last week. Edgar was the only pal I had in the battalion, so you will guess how I miss him. He was liked by everybody." The Rev Basil Churchward (C.F.) writes; _ " Your son was shoot through the head by a sniper,. The funeral took place on Thursday at 8am in a little cemetery behind the trenches and in front of a place called, Laventic. You may rest assured that the grave will be cared for. A cross has been erected on it by the battalion. Any personal belongings of your son will be sent to the base and eventually forwarded on to you. I am very sorry for you in your great loss,. it is indeed very hard for you , and alas! for many others like you. And human sympathy can do very little to ease the pain, may God give you the comfort and help and strength which comes from him alone. He understands because he gave his only son to die for us. And now we know that when our loved ones die it is not good-bye, but only a parting for a time. " Research by Colin Dannatt