John William WHITFIELD

23 November 1917

LINTON-IN-CRAVEN – Information Wanted

Mr. and Mrs. T. Whitfield, of Linton, inform us that their son, Private John William Whitfield, Duke of Wellington’s Regiment, was officially reported wounded in France on October 9th last, and that they have heard no further news of him. If any of his comrades see this announcement and can throw any light on the matter, they would be doing a kindly act if they will communicate with the anxious parents.

06 September 1918

Linton Soldier’s Sacrifice

News has been received from the Record Office, York, by Mr. and Mrs. T. W. Whitfield, Linton, that their only son, Sapper I. W. Whitfield, Duke of Wellington’s Regiment, reported wounded and missing on the 9th October, 1917, is now officially stated to have been killed on that date. He voluntarily enlisted, thinking it his duty to fight for his country, in January, 1915. After being trained at different camps in England, he was, in August, 1915, drafted to France. After serving in the trenches for some months he was transferred to the Engineers (as platelayer) where be remained until taken back to his old regiment in September, 1917. He was 25 years of age, and of a genial disposition which made him a great favourite in the village, where he will be much missed. His letters home were always bright and cheerful. Great sympathy is felt for the parents and family. Previous to joining the Army he was employed on the Yorkshire Dales Railway as a platelayer on the Rylstone section.

13 September 1918

WHITFIELD – Reported missing, October 9th, 1917, in France, Private John William Whitfield, of the Duke of Wellington’s Regiment, son of Mr. and Mrs. Whitfield, Linton, aged 25 years, now presumed killed on that date.

11 October 1918

WHITFIELD – In loving memory of our dear son and brother, Sapper John William Whitfield, presumed killed in France October 9th, 1917, aged 25 years.

Oh for the touch of a vanished hand
And the sound of a voice that is still.

From Father, Mother and Sisters, Linton.

WHITFIELD – In ever loving memory of Sapper John William Whitfield, presumed killed in France October 9th, 1917, aged 25 years.

Sweet is his memory, dear to our hearts,
Our love to his memory never shall part;
We know that the years, be they many or few,
Are years of remembrance dearest brother, of you.

From all at Clough Hall, Tosside.

10 October 1919

WHITFIELD – In loving memory of our dear son and brother, Sapper John William Whitfield, who was killed in France October 9th, 1917, aged 25 years.

No pen can write, no tongue can tell
Our sad and bitter loss;
But God alone has given us strength
To bear our heavy loss.

Sadly missed by his loving Father, Mother and Sisters, Linton.

WHITFIELD – in loving memory of our dear brother, Sapper John William Whitfield, killed in France October 9th, 1917, aged 25 years.

Though land and sea divide the place
Where he is calmly sleeping,
Yet in our heart, he is not forgot,
He is in the Saviour’s keeping.

From Vina and Kit, Clough Hall, Tosside.

WHITFIELD – In loving memory of my dear brother, Sapper J. W. Whitfield, who was presumed killed in action at Passchendaele, October 9th, 1917.

He died! The noblest death a man may die,
Fighting for God, and right and liberty,
And such a death is immortality.

From his sister Isabella.

WHITFIELD – In memory of a dear comrade, Private J. W. Whitfield, Duke of Wellington’s Regiment, who fell in action on October 9th, 1917.

You did your duty nobly
Well and glad the price did pay;
And in the years that are to be
Your memory will remain.

Inserted by Sapper P. Hepburn (on Service).

08 October 1920

WHITFIELD – In loving memory of our dear son and brother, John William Whitfield, who was killed in France October 9th, 1917.

The cold hand of cruel death
Upon his young life fell;
No more on earth we will hear the voice
Of him we loved so well.
The sunshine of our happy home
Will ever clouded be;
But Thou, O Lord, has sent this blow,
We will bear it all for Thee.

From Father, Mother, and Sisters, Linton.

WHITFIELD – In loving memory of our dear brother, John William Whitfield, who was killed in France October 9th, 1917.

Peace be your rest, dear brother,
It is sweet to breathe your name;
On earth we loved you dearly,
In death we do the same.

From Vina and Kit, Clough Hall.

WHITFIELD – In proud and loving memory of a dear brother, Sapper J. W. Whitfield, who was killed in action, October 9th, 1917.

Ever remembered by his loving sister Isabella.

WHITFIELD – In loving memory of a dear comrade, Private J. W. Whitfield, Duke of Wellington’s Regiment, who was reported wounded and missing on October 9th, 1917, later reported killed on that date.

The peaceful sleep of Death is his
In battlefields afar;
With his young life he dearly paid
The dreadful toll of war.

Inserted by P. Hepburn, Longstone, Slateford, Midlothian.

14 October 1921

WHITFIELD – In loving memory of our dear son and brother, John William Whitfield, who was killed in France, October 9th, 1917.

Though parted in life, we shall never forget him,
For God was his guide and shield through the gloom;
He gave him, He took him, and He will redeem him
Safe in His care ‘till we meet him above.

From Father, Mother and Sisters, Linton.

WHITFIELD – In loving remembrance of our dear brother, John William Whitfield, who died October 9th, 1917.

Thy word is true, Thy will is just,
To Thee we leave him, Lord, in trust.

From Vina and Kit, Clough Hall.