Name
Cecil Bertram White
1891
Conflict
First World War
Date of Death / Age
16/08/1916
25
Rank, Service Number & Service Details
Private
4335
Royal Fusiliers *1
24th (County of London) Bn.
Awards: Service Medals/Honour Awards
British War and Victory medals
Cemetery/Memorial: Name/Reference/Country
CARNOY MILITARY CEMETERY
B.9
France
Headstone Inscription
PEACE PERFECT PEACE WITH LOVED ONES FAR AWAY
UK & Other Memorials
Ayot St Peter Memorial, Roll of Honour, St Peter's Church, Ayot St Peter, Hatfield In Memoriam Book, Lemsford Village Memorial
Pre War
Cecil Bertram White was born in Ayot St Peter, Herts on 15 July 1891, the son of James and Emily White and baptised on 6 September 1891 at Ayot St Peter, Herts.
Cecil Bertram White was born in Ayot St Peter, Herts on 15 July 1891, the son of James and Emily White and baptised on 6 September 1891 at Ayot St Peter, Herts.
On the 1901 Census the family were living at Ayot Bury and his father was working as a domestic Coachman. In 1911 Census they had moved to North Road, Lemsford and Cecil was working as a tailor (in Welwyn). He was a good sportsman and had been elected captain of Hatfield football club in 1910.
Before he went to war he became engaged to Grace Wren of Lemsford. She is said to have died of a broken heart when she passed away on 22 September 1918.
Officially recorded living in Ayot, Herts. when he enlisted in London.
Wartime Service
He enlisted in London at Great Scotland Yard on 6 November 1915 and served with the 4th (City of London) Battalion, London Regiment (Royal Fusiliers).
He was twice wounded in action on the Somme but recovered and returned to the front. He was killed when he was shot by a German sniper.
The Bishop’s Hatfield Parish Magazine of January 1916, recorded: “Lemsford News. War Notes, Cecil White has enlisted in the Royal Fusiliers.”, in August 1916: “Lemsford News. Cecil White was wounded by shrapnel, in the face, but he has now recovered.”, and then in October 1916: “Lemsford News. We regret to have record the death in action of Private Cecil White, after being twice wounded, he returned once more to his duties, and fell gallantly upon the field of battle........we are proud of these two brave young fellows, who have laid down their lives for their country........ Our deepest sympathy is extended to Mr and Mrs White,.......... A short memorial service was held on Wednesday 20th September, in memory of those men belonging to this parish and neighbourhood, who have fallen in the war.”, and finally in 1917: “Lemsford News – War Notes. Letters have at last been received, giving particulars of Cecil White and Christopher Wren, who lost their lives in the first months of the Somme Battle. Captain Finnie of the 4th Fusiliers, who is not unknown in Lemsford, writes to Mr & Mrs White; “ You have already been informed that your son was sniped on 16th august. His equipment, along with many other sets was blown to pieces, after it had been taken from his body. Your son was buried by men of his own company. He was a splendid soldier and liked by all in the company; he died doing his duty, a thing I know you will be proud to hear. His comrades sympathise with you in your great loss”.............. It must be a great consolation to those who loved them, to know that these brave young fellows were spared prolonged suffering, and all that was possible was done for them.”
Awarded the British War Medal & Victory Medal.
Additional Information
His father, Mr J White of North Rd, Lemsford, Hatfield, Herts. ordered his headstone inscription: "PEACE PERFECT PEACE WITH LOVED ONES FAR AWAY" His parents received a war gratuity of £3 and his pay owing of £4 4s 4d. His mother received a pension of 5 shillings a week from 6 November 1918.
His parents are buried at St John's, Lemsford and their grave includes a memorial to Cecil.
Hatfield Parish Council Souvenir Committee Ledger: Mrs White (Mother) of Lemsford received a Silver Matchbox.
*1 Believed more correctly, (County of London) Bn. London Regiment (The Queens's).
Acknowledgments
Brenda Palmer
www.ayotstpeter.com, Christine & Derek Martindale, Hatfield Local History Society (www.hatfieldhistory.uk)
