Ernest Arthur Wightman
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Some records give the surname as 'Wrightman'. Ernest Arthur was the son of Frank Radford Wightman and his wife Elizabeth (née Brailsford). His father Frank Radford Wightman was born in Mansfield and his mother Elizabeth Brailsford in Skegby, both in about 1852. They were married in 1873 (J/F/M Mansfield), Frank's surname is given on the registration document as 'Whiteman'. Frank and Elizabeth had nine children of whom seven survived; seven children were named on the census between 1881 and 1911: Frank Radford b. 1874 (O/N/D Mansfield), Mary Emma b. 30 November 1875, Elizabeth Ann b. 1878 (O/N/D Mansfield), Phoebe Ellan b. 1 September 1880 (J/A/S Mansfield), Lucy Edith b. 1882 (A/M/J Mansfield), John Henry b. 1887 (J/A/S Mansfield) and Ernest Arthur b. 1889 (J/A/S Mansfield). All the children were born in Mansfield. In 1881 Frank was a joiner employing one man. He and Elizabeth were living at 32 Newton Street, Littleworth, Mansfield with their children Frank (6), Mary (4), Elizabeth (2) and Phoebe (under 1 year). By 1891 the family home was at Albert House, Berry Hill Road, Littleworth, Mansfield. Frank (39) was a joiner and builder (employer). He and Elizabeth (39) now had seven children: Frank (16) a grocer, Mary (14) described on the census as 'mother's help', Elizabeth (12), Phoebe (10), Lucy (9), John (3) and Ernest (1). The family continued to live at Albert House (23 Littleworth) and their widowed father was still living there at the time of his death in 1928. In 1911 only five of the children were still living at home: Elizabeth (32), Phoebe (30) and Lucy (29) whose occupations were given as dressmaker, John (23) an architect and surveyor and Ernest (21) an ironmaker's assistant. The eldest son, Frank Radford, had married Jessie Dyer in 1909 (A/M/J Nottingham) and in 1911 they were living at 4 Cedar Street, Mansfield. Frank was a grocer, having served his time with Messrs Allen& Co. and setting up in the grocery business at 31 Albert Street in 1908. The eldest daughter, Mary Emma (34) was a companion help to Emma Eldridge and living in Finchley, Middlesex. His mother Elizabeth died at home on 24 April 1927 aged 75, and his father Frank Radford died on 18 January 1928. Of Ernest's siblings: Frank Radford predeceased his parents, dying of pneumonia on 23 November 1923, aged 49. His wife Jessie survived him; their home was at 99 Littleworth, Mansfield. Mary Emma remained single and was living in Mansfield with her unmarried sister Phoebe in 1939. Mary probably died in 1954 (J/F/M Basford) Elizabeth Anne married Alfred E Barrett in 1913 (O/N/D Mansfield). She died on 24 May 1948, she was then living on Forest Road, Mansfield; she had survived her husband. Phoebe Ellen remained single and was living in Mansfield with her unmarried sister Mary Emma in 1939. She died in 1971 (A/M/J Mansfield). Lucy Edith probably died unmarried in 1961 (J/F/M Mansfield). John Henry died on 24 July 1943 leaving a widow, Florence Emma. He was still living in Mansfield.
Enlisted 9 December 1915 aged 26 years and 152 days. He died of wounds at 134th Field Ambulance station and is buried in Gwalia Cemetery, West-Vlaanderen, Belgium (grave ref. I.G.4).
Personal inscription, CWGC headstone: 'In loving memory of our dear Ernie until the day dawn' Probate: Wightman Ernest Arthur of 23 Littleworth Mansfield Nottinghamshire lance-corporal in HM army died 31 July 1917 in France Administration (with Will) Nottingham 19 July to Elizabeth Wightman (wife of Frank Radford Wightman). Effects £36 1s. 10d. Mansfield Reporter 17 August 1917: ‘Lance-Corpl. Wightman Killed. Last Saturday morning, Mr and Mrs F R Wightman, of 23, Littleworth, received officially the sad intelligence that their youngest son, Lance-Corporal Ernest Arthur Wightman, had succumbed to wounds received in France, in the 134th Field Ambulance , on July 31st. Only that very day, the deceased soldier had written a postcard, which bears the date on which he died, to his parents, and he apparently went into action immediately after writing, was wounded, and died at the Field Ambulance the same day. ‘The late Lance-Corporal Wightman, who was 28 years of age, and belonged to the 16th Battalion Sherwood Foresters, was a native of Mansfield, and by virtue of his quiet unassuming disposition, sympathetic nature, general kindness and manly qualities, he won the respect and esteem of a very wide circle of friends and acquaintances. Prior to joining the army in February of last year, he was for quite a number of years in the employ of Messrs. Hameyer and Co. ironmongers, for whom he managed for a brief period a branch at Warsop, which, however, had to be closed owing to war exigencies. The firm regarded him as a faithful and valued employee. After a course of training at Cleadon, Sunderland, he went to France in February last, and had since taken active part in much of the recent fighting, principally in the Ypres district. ‘As a lifelong scholar of the Bridge-street Wesleyan Sunday school, a member of the church, and a member of the Wesley Guild, he was highly esteemed, and will be greatly missed from these department’s of the church’s activity. For some years he had been a member of the Men’s Bible Class. And was also a member of Mr A Fox’s Society Class. His parents will find much consolation, in the fact that all who knew their son speak of him in the highest terms, and testify that he undertook his military duties with a good heart, and a cheery spirit. ‘As indicating his deep interest in the Sunday school, and his readiness to make sacrifice on its behalf, it may be mentioned that the late Lance-Corporal Wightman had sent a donation of 5s. Towards the anniversary collections. Mrs Wightman had written informing him that the anniversary was being held earlier this year, and he at once forwarded the sum named, 2s. 6d. To be given on behalf of each of two classes. Touching reference was made to this fact by the preacher on Sunday evening, the Rev. JW Allcock, of the Blackburn Mission, who said they were all deeply touched by the gift. The officials would not look upon it as any common money.’ (www.britishnewspaperarchive.co.uk)
