Author: oldwhittingtonops

Charles Leggitt        5th November 1917

Bernard Dyson        6th November 1918

Reginald Draycott   11th November 1915

Matthew Clayton     22nd November 1915

Walter Butt              30th November 1917

I have already researched Matthew’s,Bernard’s and Reginald’s stories and they can be read at https://oldwhittingtonops.com/

IN FLANDERS FIELD

In Flanders fields the poppies blow

Between the crosses, row on row,

That mark our place; and in the sky

The larks, still bravely singing, fly

Scarce heard amid the guns below.

 

We are the Dead. Short days ago

We lived, felt dawn, saw sunset glow,

Loved and were loved, and now we lie

In Flanders fields.

 

Take up our quarrel with the foe:

To you from failing hands we throw

The torch; be yours to hold it high.

If ye break faith with us who die

We shall not sleep, though poppies grow

In Flanders fields.

by John McCrae, May 1915

I called at Old Whittington library this afternoon to check on the WW1 display. There have been a few visitors who have left encouraging comments. Its nice to know that the display is creating some interest.

A lady called Veronica Sanderson Element contacted me to ask if she could add her grandfather (John Sanderson)to the display. Although he survived the war he never recovered from his experiences and Veronica has written a lovely tribute to him.

I have attached a copy of this for you to read in case you have no opportunity to visit the display.

 

 

 

 

I have just completed my research into the life of George Straw who died on 18th September 1918 and his story can be read at https://oldwhittingtonops.com/straw-george/

I have just updated the photo page with pictures from the Derbyshire Courier.  Harry Higginbottom and Frederick Walker both killed in action in September 1918.

 

 

I found some more photographs yesterday, from the Derbyshire Times, of men on the War Memorial. it certainly brings the names on the memorial to life when you see the faces of the men.

Horace Aaron, Herbert Pollindine, Alexander Carlile and Edwin Hewkin. Some of the pictures aren’t very clear but they are now 100 years old.

All of the pictures I have found so far can be seen at https://oldwhittingtonops.com/photos-of-the-men/

 

  

 

I have just got back from checking on progress of the clean up of the War Memorial.

The Council have certainly done as promised, the difference is amazing and I hope everyone agrees that Chesterfield Borough Council and Sheepbridge Business Centre deserve a huge thank you for restoring this memorial.

I have finished my research on John William Leachman and his story can be read at https://oldwhittingtonops.com/leachman-wm/

He was killed in action 14th July 1916 aged 20 years old.