WE REMEMBER IN JANUARY
Herbert Gaunt who died from his wounds 100 years ago today on 1st January 1919 Herberts story can be read at https://oldwhittingtonops.com/gaunt-herbert/
We also remember in January:
Stanley Pardy who died 8 January 1916 https://oldwhittingtonops.com/pardy-stanley/
H F Whitbread who died 19 January 1918 who I still have to research.
Fred Robinson who died 22 January 1916 https://oldwhittingtonops.com/robinson-fred/

WE REMEMBER IN NOVEMBER
In this month of the centennial of the Armistice we remember the following men from Old Whittington and the Brushes who died in November between 1914-1918.
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
(November 30th 1872 – January 28th 1918)

JOHN SANDERSON
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.


GEORGE STRAW
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/

Photos
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.



Photos
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/



The Brushes War Memorial
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.




Wm LEACHMAN
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.
If any descendant of the Leachman family have any information they would like to add to the webpage please get in touch.


WE REMEMBER TODAY
Today we remember Reginald Benton who died on 18th October 1916 he was 34 years old and is buried at Grove Town Cemetery Meaulte.
Reginald’s story can be read at https://oldwhittingtonops.com/benton-reginald/
