William was born in Eltham on 2nd May 1893 the fourth child of Charles and Annie Matilda Whiting. Charles was born in Nether Compton, Dorset to a farming family. He married Annie Matilda Martin at St Nicholas Plumstead on 24th February 1889, and the 1891 Census, shows they have already settled to family life and are living in the Lodge of Jackwood House on Shooters Hill where Charles is a domestic Gardener.
Whilst the Whiting family were living on the estate, it was owned by an American Vaudeville actor, Nat C Goodwin and his third wife, English Actress Maxine Elliot. Sadly the big house was demolished in 1927 but the Lodge and some of the formal gardens remain.
The Baptism records from Christchurch, Shooters Hill show that the five oldest children (aged at the time between 6 months and 6 years) were all baptised on the same day, 11th March 1896.
The 1911 Census shows the family living at 13 Edison Road, William is shown as a farm labourer. The maps of the time show that a substantial amount of the land in East Wickham and Welling was market gardens.
William enlisted in the Army in Bexleyheath, and served with the Lancashire Fusiliers 2/5th Battalion Territorial Force. In May 1915 the Battalion was mobilised for war and landed at Boulogne. For the rest of the war they were regularly called to action. In 1915 they took part in The Battle of Festaubert and the second Action of Givenchy. During 1916 they were present at the Battles of Guillemont, Ginchy, Flers-Courcelette and Morval. In 1917: the Battles of Pilkem Ridge and Menin Road Ridge. Finally, in 1918 they saw service at the Battle of Estaires, the Defence of Givcenchy, the Battle of Hazebrouck, the Capture of Givenchy craters, the Capture oif Canteleux trench and the final Advance in Artois.
On 23rd August 1918 William wrote a soldier’s will: “In the event of my death I give the whole of my property and effects to my mother Mrs Annie Whiting 13 Edison Road East Wickham Welling Kent”. William was Killed in Action 25th August, 1918, and is commemorated on Panel 45 and 46 at Loos Memorial.
An extract from the Bexleyheath and Bexley Observer dated 26.9.1918:
PTE WHITING, WELLING
A comrade Sergeant J Middleton has borne the sad news to Mr and Mrs Whiting of 13 Edison Road, East Wickham, Welling that their son Pte Whiting was killed in action on August 24th.
I was at the same post when it happened, he writes, and did my best to help him, for he was in my platoon. He was well liked by all his comrades in the Company, and he was one of the best lads. All the boys send their greatest sympathy.
I know it will be a great blow to you but I hope you will keep your heart up. He has been buried in a nice place behind the lines and we held a church service with military honours.
Commemorated
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This story has been researched by volunteers. We have taken every effort to ensure its accuracy. If you are related to William Harry Whiting, or if you have any further information, please do get in touch.