George Edward White

Private George Edward White attested on 18th September 1916 at Newark, he gave his age as 17 yrs and 21 days and that his occupation was that of a labourer. He gave his address as Whatton village and his next of kin as his father Ernest Thomas White of Whatton. He was posted to the reserves the following day. He was mobilised for war on 20th March 1918 and given his medical examination at Nottingham, by this date he was 18 yrs and 110 days old and a gardener. He was posted to the 5th battalion North Staffordshire Regiment and on 14th March 1919 was transferred to the 3rd battalion. He was admitted to Curragh Military Hospital Kildaire, Ireland, on 19th July 1919 suffering from abdominal pains having been struck in the abdomen by a rocket during celebrations. He was diagnosed with a ruptured liver and operated on. He died at the hospital on 22nd July 1919 of a ruptured liver and peritonitis, his body was returned to his family and he is buried at Whatton in the Vale (St John of Beverley) churchyard

Inscription on parish memorial: 'Trooper George Edward White, Staffordshire Yeomanry, accidentally killed in Ireland after declaration of peace, July 22, 1919, aged 19.' Kildare Observer and Eastern Counties Advertiser, 26 July 1919: ‘Exciting Scenes at The Curragh. Alarming Incidents in Peace Festivities. The close of the Peace festivities at the Curragh Camp on Saturday night was marked by extraordinary scenes, and as a result of accidents received during a wild stampede 38 persons were removed to the Curragh Military Hospital. It appears that in addition to the large numbers of military from the Camp, as well as from Kildare and Newbridge Barracks, who were attending the Peace celebrations in the evening there were also many hundreds of civilians enjoying the festivities … When the enjoyment was at its height some of the men, it is stated, obtained possession of a number of rockets and explosives. These were thrown in the air and in amongst the people. At first it was thought that it was part of the programme, but the seriousness of the matter was soon evident. Several people were seen to be burnt and otherwise injured in a few moments afterwards. The rockets were lying across each other on the ground, and when the fire started they went off. There were at the time thousands of people on the greens. A wild rush ensued, and men, women and children were knocked to the ground immediately afterwards. The rockets went off like machine guns, and, passing from one to the other, the blaze spread. A wild scene of confusion followed. Several of the people were burned by the rockets and trampled on, receiving such serious injuries that the call for stretchers was soon given, and a large number were taken away immediately to the Military Hospital. Many were badly burned, while others were injured in the crush. In all, there were 51 persons admitted to hospital and treated, 18 being detained. There were 15 persons still in hospital as a result of their injuries on Monday evening. Two soldiers are lying dangerously wounded there. Private White, North Staffordshire Regt., is suffering from severe wounds in the abdomen, and Private Sparks from wounds in the chest. Boy Wisby had his thigh fractured. Several civilians were amongst those injured. In the midst of the excitement one of the tents ignited, and the flames spread considerably as the result of men collecting chairs, tables, barrels, etc., and heaping them on the fire.’ (www.britishnewspaperarchive.co.uk) Dublin Evening Telegraph, Tuesday 22 July 1919: ‘Wild Scenes. Peace Night at the Curragh. 33 People Injured. Panic Caused by Explosions.’ This report repeats information contained in the Kildare Observer report of 26 July and also includes the name of George White: ‘two men are lying dangerously ill at present in hospital. Private White, North Staffs., is suffering from severe wounds in the abdomen.’ (www.britishnewspaperarchive.co.uk)