Albert Whitwam

Private. 22163. King's Own Scottish Borderers.

Born 1896.

Son of Mrs Elizabeth A. Whitehead and the late Tom Whitwam.

Brother of Clara.

Address: 2 Kiln Brow, Golcar.

Occupation: Weaver at B & J Whitwam& Sons Ltd.

Enlisted 6th November 1915. Embarked for France 10th August 1916.

Killed in action 3rd September 1916 aged 21.

Buried at Delville Wood Cemetery, Longueval. Plot 27. Row B. Grave 10.

Albert trained in Scotland and was killed in action on 3rd September in the attack on Falfemont Farm, during the Battle of the Somme. 'Assembled on the slopes of the Leuze Wood spur, some 400 yards from the objective. Attack commenced 8-50am- Official History of the Great War recording the task as 'impossible'. Battalion swept by rifle and machine gun fire in front and flank. Casualties amounted to almost 300'.

Official word from the War Office was received by his mother in July 1917 that he was presumed dead. She had no indication of what happened to him. His date of death is recorded as the day he went missing.

He was educated at Crow Lane Board School, Milnsbridge and attended Golcar United Methodist Church where he was a member of the Young Men's Reading Room and bible class. His name is on the Roll of Honour in St. John's Church, Golcar and Crow Lane Board school.