Lives of the First World War

Photograph of Arthur

Photo

Arthur's cap badges

The large right hand panel bears the names of the 23 men of Little Gaddesden, Ringshall and Hudnall who gave their lives for their country during the First World War. Arthur Whitman’s regiment is listed: "Hertfordshire". The memorial was dedicated in 1921 and is located close to the northern end of the village green.

This panel lists the men of Little Gaddesden, Ringshall and Hudnall who died during the First World War.

The wooden memorial in St Peter & St Paul's Church, Little Gaddesden lists the men who died during the First World War on the larger, upper panel.

Detail of the upper panel of the war memorial in St Peter & St Paul's Church, Little Gaddesden, on which those who died in the First World War are listed.

The Roll of Honour, which hangs in St Peter & St Paul's Church, Little Gaddesden and lists 119 names of those from Little Gaddesden, Ringshall and Hudnall who served in the 1914 – 1918 War. Men who have answered their country’s call in defence of a “Scrap of Paper”.

A letter written by Arthur's mother Sue to his father Joe in late October or early November 1917 when she still hoped Arthur might be found alive. Joe was away from home as a member of the National Reserve.

1995 photo of Lance Serjeant A Whitman's name on Panel 54 of the Menin Gate.

Arthur's father Joseph Whitman in uniform, believed by his family to have been taken during the First World War, when, according to the Little Gaddesden Roll of Honour, he served in the National Reserve.

Arthur's brother James - Jim - Whitman as Best Man at Seth Janes' marriage to Edna Saunders.

Grave of Arthur's brother James, sister-in-law Edith Mary Whitman and sister May Whitman, plot W20, New Churchyard, SS Peter and Paul, Little Gaddesden. The inscription reads: In/ loving memory of/ James Whitman/ 1898 - 1962/ and his beloved wife/ Edith Mary/ 1899 - 1980/ In heavenly love abiding/ Also his dear sister May/ 1900 - 1978

Early Twentieth Century photo of the cottages numbered 5 to 13 Little Gaddesden. No 5, end on to the road, is shown middle left of the photo furthest from the camera; 6&7 are centre of the photo. The 3 pairs of semi-detached cottages are 8&9, nearest centre of photo, 10&11, with tree growing to roof height and 12&13, right of photo and nearest the camera. These cottages are still clearly recognisable today. The photo was included in 'A Century Remembered' and is included here with permission of the editor.

The memorial, located at the exact spot near St Julien reached by the 1st Bn. Hertfordshire Regt. at 11am on 31st July 1917, which was unveiled exactly 100 years later at a ceremony at which some of Arthur Whitman's family were present. The memorial includes a dedication, a map and an explanation of the choice of location. The inscription reads: "This memorial is dedicated to the Officers and Men of the 1st Battalion Hertfordshire Regiment who fought in The Great War 1914 - 1918".

Located at the furthest point of their advance near St Julien on 31st July 1917, the memorial, unveiled 31st July 2017, is dedicated to the men of the Hertfordshire Regiment who lost their lives in the Great War. This panel gives an explanation in English and in Dutch of the choice of position and the events of that day.

Photo showing the Little Gaddesden War Memorial shortly after its dedication, which took place in 1921. “Arthur Whitman Hertfordshire” is named on the right hand panel. The two boy scouts are, on the right, Pelham Oakins, son of Samuel Oakins who is named among the fallen and, on the left, Pelham's cousin John Oakins, son of Samuel's brother Stephen.

Copy of a postcard showing men from F Company, 1/1st Hertfordshire Regiment during training at Bury St Edmunds in August 1914. As Horace Ruffett, who sent the postcard to his brother Ernest on 30th August, said that Ernest would know nearly all the men shown, at least some must be from Little Gaddesden. Horace is the Lance Corporal on the right hand end. We do not know who the others are, but likely candidates are: Vernon Batchelor, Harry Cutler, William Fenn, Joe Hing, Richard Hoar, Bert Impey and Arthur Whitman.