Main CPGW Record
Surname: WHITAKER
Forename(s): Edgar
Place of Birth: Grassington, Yorkshire
Service No: 18379
Rank: Private
Regiment / Corps / Service: Duke of Wellington’s (West Riding Regiment)
Battalion / Unit: 10th (Service) Battalion
Division: 23rd Division
Age: 21
Date of Death: 1916-10-04
Awards: ---
CWGC Grave / Memorial Reference: Pier and Face 6 A and 6 B.
CWGC Cemetery: ---
CWGC Memorial: THIEPVAL MEMORIAL
Non-CWGC Burial: ---
Local War Memorial: GRASSINGTON, YORKSHIRE
Local War Memorial: LINTON-IN-CRAVEN, YORKSHIRE
Additional Information:
Edgar Whitaker was the son of William and Alice Whitaker, née Lofthouse and brother of Private Sydney Whitaker (201989) (q.v.). Their father was born at Burnsall and mother at Kettlewell, Yorkshire.
1901 Grassington, Yorkshire Census: Mill Lane - Edgar Whitaker, aged 6 years, born Grassington, son of William and Alice Whitaker.
1911 Grassington, Yorkshire Census: Brooklyn [Threshfield] - Edgar Whitaker, aged 16 years, born Grassington, son of William and Alice Whitaker.
British Army WW1 Medal Rolls Index Cards: Pte Edgar Whitaker, 18379, West Riding Regiment.
A short biography of Edgar is included in: ‘Swaledale & Wharfedale Remembered – Aspects of Dales’ life through peace and war’ by Keith Taylor (2006).
See also: ‘Silva Gars’ by John Crowther (1930).
Data Source: Craven’s Part in the Great War - original CPGW book entry
View Entry in CPGW BookEntry in West Yorkshire Pioneer Illustrated War Record:
GRASSINGTON
WHITAKER, Edgar, aged 21, son of Mr. and Mrs. Whitaker, Brooklyn Terrace, Grassington, killed in action in France, Oct. 4, 1916.
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Private Edgar WHITAKER
Regiment / Corps / Service Badge: Duke of Wellington’s (West Riding Regiment)
Divisional Sign / Service Insignia: 23rd Division
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View Craven Herald Articles
View Craven Herald Articles
20 October 1916
WHITAKER – October 4th, killed in action in France, Pte. Edgar Whitaker, son of Mr. and Mrs. Whitaker, Brooklyn Terrace, Grassington, aged 21 years.
20 October 1916
A GRASSINGTON MAN KILLED IN ACTION
We deeply regret having to report the death of Pte. Edgar Whitaker, aged 21, son of Mr. and Mrs. Wm. Whitaker of Brooklyn Terrace, Grassington. The following extract from a letter to his parents, by one of his pals, gives the sad details:– “It is my painful and sorrowful duty to write and inform you of Edgar’s death. He was killed by a German bomb on October 4th. I saw him just an hour before, though not to speak to, and he looked splendid, so cheerful and happy. He was a real soldier and died the death of a hero, doing his duty bravely and fearing nothing.”
Edgar Whitaker was one of the straightest lads who have answered the call. He was by trade a joiner, and was esteemed by everybody. He was the elder of the only two lads in the family. His younger brother, Sydney, has been in training six months. Deepest sympathy for Mr. and Mrs. Whitaker in their loss is shown through the district. Deceased went into training on January 24th and was drafted out in May.
28 September 1917
WHITAKER – In loving memory of Private Edgar Whitaker, who fell in France, October 4th 1916.
He nobly answered duty’s call,
He gave his life for one and all.
From Father, Mother and Sister, Brooklyn, Grassington.
05 October 1917
WHITAKER – In loving memory of our dear friend, Private Edgar Whitaker (West Riding Regiment), who was killed in action in France on October 4th 1916.
He will answer no more the roll call,
Nor rush at the bugle’s sound,
But, Lord, when the roll in Heaven is called,
May his name in the Book be found.
Carlton House, Grassington.
04 October 1918
WHITAKER – In loving memory of Private Edgar Whitaker, killed in France October 4th, 1916; also Private Sydney Whitaker, presumed killed May 3rd, 1917.
“May their reward he greater than their sacrifice.”
From Father, Mother and Sister, Brooklyn, Grassington.
03 October 1919
WHITAKER – In loving memory of Private Edgar Whitaker, killed in action October 4th, 1916, also Private Sydney Whitaker, presumed killed May 3rd, 1917.
Those who have lost
Understand best war’s bitter cost.
From Father, Mother and Sister, Brooklyn, Grassington.
30 September 1921
WHITAKER – In loving memory of Pte. Edgar Whitaker, killed in France, October 4th, 1916. Also, Pte. Sydney Whitaker, presumed killed May 3rd, 1917.
“They were ours, and we remember.”
From Father, Mother and Sister, Brooklyn, Grassington.
View West Yorkshire Pioneer Articles
View West Yorkshire Pioneer Articles
27 October 1916
WHITAKER – October 4th, in action in France, Pte. Edgar Whitaker, elder son of Mr. and Mrs. W. Whitaker, of Brooklyn Terrace, Grassington.
27 October 1916
GRASSINGTON SOLDIER KILLED
The news of the death of Private Edgar Whitaker, son of Mr. and Mrs. Wm. Whitaker, of Brooklyn Terrace, Grassington, was received last week. The following extract from a letter to his parents, by one of his pals, gives the sad details:– “It is my painful and sorrowful duty to write and inform you of Edgar’s death. He was killed by a German bomb on October 4th. I saw him just an hour before, though not to speak to, and he looked splendid, so cheerful and happy. He was a real soldier and died the death of a hero, doing his duty bravely and fearing nothing.”
Edgar Whitaker, who was aged 21, was one of the straightest lads who have answered the call. He was by trade a joiner, and was esteemed by everybody. He was the elder of the only two lads in the family. His younger brother, Sydney, has been in training six months. Deep sympathy for Mr. and Mrs. Whitaker in their loss is shown throughout the district. Deceased went into training on January 24th, and was drafted out in May.
28 September 1917
In loving memory of Pte. Edgar Whitaker, who fell in France October 1st, 1916.
He nobly answered duty’s call,
He gave his life for one and all.
– From Father, Mother, and Sister. Brooklyn, Grassington.
05 October 1917
In loving memory of our dear friend Private Edgar Whitaker (W.R.R.),who was killed in action in France on Oct. 4th, 1916.
He will answer no more the roll call,
Nor rush at the bugler’s sound;
But Lord when the roll in heaven is called,
May his name in the book be found.
Carleton House, Grassington.
22 March 1918
CRAVEN AND THE WAR
Grassington Lad Killed in Action
Official information has been received by Mr. Wm. Whitaker, of Brooklyn, Grassington, that his younger son, Pte. Sidney Whitaker, West Yorkshire Regiment, who has been missing since May 3rd last, is now presumed to have been killed in action on or about that data. Much sympathy is felt with Mr. and Mrs. Whitaker, who have lost their only two sons in the war.
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