Harold Whitwam

Private 332779. 9th (Glasgow) Battalion. (Territorial) Highland Light Infantry.

Born: 1895 Golcar.

Son of Henry and Abigail.

Brother of Emma, Horace, Hetty, Amelia, Maggie and Archie.

Address: 1 Waterhouse Farm, Pike Law, Golcar.

Occupation: Spinner at Messrs Pearson Brothers. Victoria Mills Golcar.

Enlisted 1916.

Killed in action: 26th February 1918.

Commemorated at Tyne Cot Cemetery. Special Memorial

Harold was at home on leave in November 1917 after he had served for twelve months in France.

His parents received a letter from a chum serving with their son saying, "I write to convey to you the sad news that your son Harold was killed in action during our last tour of the trenches. He met his death when he was going out at about 11-30 on the morning of the 26th February. A shell landed about three yards in front of him, killing him instantaneously and wounding two others. Your son was always cheery with a kind word for each. He was a most respected lad in the platoon and a great favourite with us all."

He was a member of Thorpe Green Working Men's Club and attended Scapegoat Hill Baptist Chapel and Sunday School.