JOHN ATKINSON

I have posted John Atkinsons story on the webpage. I was contacted by Johns great grandson and he kindly offered me the family research into his great grandfathers life.

On this occasion I have just had to add

the documents and pictures. I would like to thank John for his help and the research can be read at

https://oldwhittingtonops.com/atkinson-john/

REGINALD DRAYCOTT

TODAY WE REMEMBER

Today as we remember all of the casualties of WW1, we remember an Old Whittington man who died on 11th November 1915, Reginald Draycott who was 20 years old when he was killed and is buried at Rue-des-Berceaux Military Cemetery.

Reginalds story can be read here https://oldwhittingtonops.com/draycott-reginald/

11th November 1918

As we remember all of the Old Whittington men here are some of the pictures

EDWIN HEWKIN

I have just finished my research on the life of Edwin Hewkin who lived for a time on Sheffield Road Brushes/Sheepbridge area. He was listed as missing on 3rd May 1917, he was 25 years old. 

Edwin is commemorated on the Arras Memorial and remembered on the Old Whittington and Brushes War memorials.

Edwins story can be read here https://oldwhittingtonops.com/hewkin-edwin/

W H BESWICK

I am currently researching W H Beswick who lived at Church Street Old Whittington, and came across this photograph in the Derbyshire Times 28th October 1916. 

William died on 15th September 1916 aged 29 years. If there are any descendants of the Beswick family who would like to contribute to Williams story then please get in touch either through this page or via the website contact page https://oldwhittingtonops.com/contact/

WE REMEMBER IN NOVEMBER

WE REMEMBER IN NOVEMBER

In this month of the centennial of the Armistice we remember the following men from Old Whittington and the Brushes who died in November between 1914-1918.

Charles Leggitt        5th November 1917

Bernard Dyson        6th November 1918

Reginald Draycott   11th November 1915

Matthew Clayton     22nd November 1915

Walter Butt              30th November 1917

I have already researched Matthew's,Bernard's and Reginald's stories and they can be read at https://oldwhittingtonops.com/

IN FLANDERS FIELD

In Flanders fields the poppies blow

Between the crosses, row on row,

That mark our place; and in the sky

The larks, still bravely singing, fly

Scarce heard amid the guns below.

We are the Dead. Short days ago

We lived, felt dawn, saw sunset glow,

Loved and were loved, and now we lie

In Flanders fields.

Take up our quarrel with the foe:

To you from failing hands we throw

The torch; be yours to hold it high.

If ye break faith with us who die

We shall not sleep, though poppies grow

In Flanders fields.

by John McCrae, May 1915

(November 30th 1872 - January 28th 1918)