Friday 1 May 2015

Whittaker, Ernest - Private (38432)

Private Ernest Whittaker
Lancashire Fusiliers
Died 9th June 1917
Age 18

Newspaper Report:

1) ENLISTED AT 15 - BRAVE HASLINGDEN LAD FALLS AT 18 IN FRANCE

News has been received by Mr. Albert Whittaker of 1 Church Lane, Haslingden, that his 18 year old son, Pte. Ernest Whittaker, who enlised shortly after the outbreak of war when only 15, has been killed in France, where he had been but five weeks.
Employed at Flash Mill, he was connected with the Parish Church. 

2) Whilst only fifteen years of age Ernest Whittaker, oldest son of Mr. Albert Whittaker, of 1 Church Lane, Haslingden, carter for Messrs. W.H. Baxter of the Haslingden Brewery, twice enlisted in the army.  On the first occasion his father got him back home, but on the second he allowed him to remain.  Soon after his attainment of the age of 18 the lad has died in France, where he had been only five weeks.  The father has been notified that the death occurred on June 9th.  Private Whittaker was brought up at Haslingden Parish Sunday School and Church, and up to enlisting was employed at Flash Mill.  A memorial service is to be held at Haslingden Parish Church to-morrow. 

Newspaper Memorials:

In loving memory of Pte. Ernest Whittaker, Lancashire Fusiliers, died of wounds, June 9th 1917, buried at Bailleul Cemetery.

"There's a lonely grave in France,
Where a brave young hero sleeps;
There's a cottage home in England,
Where a mother sits and weeps.

Sadly missed by Mother and Father, 5 Flaxmoss Street, Haslingden

In loving memory of our Ernie.

"A light has from our household gone,
A voice we loved is still;
A place is vacant in our home
Which never can be filled.
We only know it was for us
He died and suffered there.

Fondly remembered by Mary, Harry, Jim, Annie and Laura, 6 Flaxmoss Street.

In loving memory of Ernest.

His heart was good, his spirit brave,
He's resting now in a soldier's grave.

From Grandma, Warwick Street.

In loving memory of our dear Grandson and Nephew, Pte. Ernest Whittaker, who died of wounds received in action June 9th 1917 aged 18 years, and was buried in Cailmel Cemetery, France.

"Sweet Memories"

Ever remembered by his Grandma, Aunts and Uncles (Ross in France), 59 Warwick Street, Haslingden.

Tho' gone, his name is precious still,
No one our brother's place can fill,
Never a day, never an hour,
But your dear name is spoken.

Fondly remembered by Mary, Harry, Jim, Annie and Laura, 6 Flaxmoss Street, Haslingden. 

In cherished memory of our dear Son, Pte. Ernest Whittaker.

"Links are snapped beyond repairing,
And the loving heart is riven;
Nothing now the wound can heal,
But the gentle hand of heaven.

Oh, I loved you and how dearly,
Mothers hearts alone can tell;
Not one hour have I forgot you,
Since you bade your last farewell.

"Too dearly loved to ever be forgotten"

By is Mother and Father, 6 Flaxmoss Street.

"Though gone, his name is previous still,
No one our brother's place can fill.

Fondly remembered by Annie and Laura, 6 Flaxmoss Street.

In loving memory of our dear Grandson and nephew, Pte. Ernest Whittaker, who was killed in France, June 9th 1917.

"He gave his life that we might live."

From his loving Grandma, Aunties and Uncles (Ross and Harry in France).