Charles William Whitaker
- Family History
- Military History
- Extra Information
- Photographs
Charles William Whitaker was the first child of William and Lily Whitaker (née Milbourn). He was born in Woodhouse, Hatfield, Yorkshire, late in the year 1900. His parents had been previously married and registered in Thorne, Yorkshire in 1897. In 1901, all three were resident in Chapel Haddlesey where William earnt his living by working as a horseman on a farm. Charles had two sisters, Hannah and Sarah whilst living at Haddlesey and before 1909 were living at Ulley near Sheffield where a son, Wilfred was born and William was now a farm foreman. No record appears available as to when the family moved to Castle Farm, Worksop, but in 1918 a son, Henry was born and registered in Worksop. The remainder of Charles’ short life is recorded in an obituary from the “Worksop Guardian.”
Pte Charles W Whitaker Worksop Guardian 18 October 1918 The news of the death in action of their eldest son, Pte Charles William Whitaker, Kings Own Royal Lancs, has been received by Mr and Mrs William Whitaker, Castle Farm, Worksop. The sad news is contained in a letter from a comrade of Pte Whitaker’s, who says he saw him killed in action by machine gun fire, some time in August this year. Pte Whitaker would be 19 years of age next month. He enlisted at the age of 17 on Oct 16th last year, and was sent to France four months ago. In civilian life he worked with Mr Young, farmer, Carlton, having previously been employed by the Worksop and Retford Brewery. Well known and respected, he will be much missed and his parents will receive the sympathy of a large number of friends.
Commemorated on the Vis-en-Artois Memoraial, France. Research by Colin Dannatt
