Matthew White

Acting Lce-Corpl Mathew White Worksop Guardian 18 October 1918 On Sunday, Mrs White, 135 Cheapside, Worksop, received a letter with reference to her husband, Acting Lce-Corpl Mathew White M.T. A.S,C. The letter read as follows:- “Dear Mrs White, It is with sympathy and sadness that I must write to you of the death by motorcycle accident of your brave and splendid husband. He was cycling carefully in thick darkness at night time, when a collision occurred with a motor lorry. Your husband (I was near the spot) was instantly stunned. He knew no pain or shock and died on admission to hospital the same night never recovering consciousness. This was on the night of the 6th inst. We are all so sorry he has gone. A fine soldier, a cheerful worker, he always set so excellent example to his comrades. Accept all my deepest sympathy and believe me, yours faithfully, Arthur Waters, Major A.S.C.” On Tuesday the sad news was confirmed by a telegram from the Army Service Corps Record Office, which read as follows:- It is my painful duty to inform you, your husband, Acting Lce-Corpl Mathew White, died on October 6th. Rupture of abdominal wall. Accidental. 3rd Casualty Clearing Station, France.” Mrs White has not yet given up hope of hearing something more hopeful of her husband and his number in the telegram was incorrect. Lce-Corpl White is the youngest son of Mr and Mrs John C White, 141 Cheapside and is very well known and is well liked in Worksop. He enlisted on Jan 2nd 1915 and was sent to France two days later where he has served since that time. He has had occasional leaves, the last time he was at home being in February last. He came home for his wedding at the beginning of September 1917 and was married to Miss Rawson, third daughter of Mr and Mrs G Rawson, 133 Eastgate on Sept 1st. In civilian life he was a chauffer, and was last employed at Mr Davis Sparken having previous worked at Brooks garage. His bright disposition, pleasing manner and splendid character made him a very large circle of friends. He will be much missed and great sympathy is extended to his wife and parents. Mr John White, his father, has been a gardener at Osberton Hall for over 30 years and his father-in-law, Mr Rawson, has also been employed at Osberton as a woodman for many years. Lce-Corpl White’s brother, Gunner George White, RGA is serving in India. Three brothers of Mrs White are serving, vis. Pte George Rawson, RAMC, France, who has been wounded twice, Pte Newall Rawson, who has been wounded in France and is now at Aldershot, and Pte William Rawson, ASC, London.

Buried Thilloy Road Cemetery Beaulencourt, France Research by Colin Dannatt