Lives of the First World War

John Whittaker joined the East Lancashire Regt (Reg No 37549) and completed Basic Training with that unit. He was one of a small draft that were then transferred to 20th King's (Liverpool Regiment) in Flanders

John Edward Whittaker is also commemorated on this memorial. The memorial, now listed as an historic monument, was erected at the instigation of Carrie Whitehead J.P. in September 1915 and is recognised as the first community World War One Memorial to be erected in this country. It was given "Grade II Listed Building" status in August 1999. The dedication reads “The War Memorial 1914 - 1919 Rawtenstall Cemetery Roll of Honour This cross was erected by Carrie Whitehead, September 1915 that it might be some comfort to those who lost men very dear to them In grateful memory of the men of Rawtenstall who gave their lives for their country in the Great War 1914 - 1918 He will swallow up death in victory, and the Lord will wipe away tears from all faces. Is. XXV. 8".

Awarded to John Edward Whittaker for service in the Great War

Rossendale Free Press - May 1918

3.50 am Zero Hour and the Barrage starts along the whole Fifth Army front. 5.20 am. 17 KLR and 20 KLR in position at Maple Copse and ready to advance through to Green Line. 7.50 am Both battalions advance. 17 KLR on the left and 20 KLR on the right only to find that Blue Line had not fallen with troops of 21 Bde and 90 Bde still pinned down.

John Whittaker was attested as 38005 in the East Lancashire Regiment and called forward for basic training March – May 1917. On graduation, and after the usual period of home leave, he formed part of a small draft that arrived in 30 IDB, Etaples in June 1917. On completion of training there he was posted to 20 KLR/89 Bde which was then deployed in the Ypres area.

Rossendale Free Press of May 1918