Thomas Whittaker

Thomas Whittaker was born in 1896 he was the son of the late Thomas Wittaker a coal miner and the late Sarah Ann Whittaker née Stirland.of the Alley (later Hardy Street) Kimberley and the brother of Elizabeth and Nellie Whittaker (1901 Census). CWGC lists him as the brother of Mrs J Stirland of 4 Truman Street Kimberley Nottinghamshire. Thomas was born in 1861 at Kimberley he died in 1897 aged 37 yrs, Sarah Ann Stirland was born in 1866 at Kimberley, they were married in 1888 their marriage was recorded in the Basford registration district, they had 2 further children Elizabeth b1888 and Nellie born 1891 Kimberley. In the 1911 census Thomas is living at 4 Trueman Street, Kimberley he is living with his uncle Samuel Stirland 51 yrs a coal miner day man and his family.

He was a coal miner

Private Thomas Whittaker enlisted at Ilkeston whilst residing at Kimberley, he served with the 15th Bn Sherwood Foresters (Notts & Derby Regiment). He died of his wounds on 14th October 1918 and is buried in Dadizeele New British Cemetery, Belgium (grave ref. VI. F. 6). CWGC - History of Dadizeele New British Cemetery (extract): 'The village of Dadizeele (now Dadizele) was in German hands for much of the First World War until reached by the 36th (Ulster) Division, and taken by the 9th (Scottish) Division, on 29 September 1918. Severe fighting followed on 1 October, at Hill 41, a little south of the village. Dadizeele New British Cemetery is in fact an extension of the communal cemetery. It was made after the Armistice when graves were brought in from other burial grounds and from the battlefields of 1918 [burial grounds listed].'