Personal Details
Born in Prees, Shropshire in 1895, the fifth son of Charles and Sarah Whitfield of 8 Sandford, Prees, Whitchurch, Shropshire.
Husband to Mary Ann Whitfield (nee Cooper) of 4 Higher Road, Harmer Hill, Shropshire and father to Harry C and Charles B.
The 1911 Census shows him as a farm waggoner.
Charles’ eldest brother, Cecil Harry, also lost his life in the Great War.
Military Details
Regiment : 7th Battalion King’s Shropshire Light Infantry
Rank : Lance Corporal
Service Number : 26407, also 4259
Killed in action; France 14 June 1918 Aged 22
The British War Medal (also known as 'Squeak') was a silver or bronze medal awarded to officers and men of the British and Imperial Forces who either entered a theatre of war or entered service overseas between 5th August 1914 and 11th November 1918 inclusive. This was later extended to services in Russia, Siberia and some other areas in 1919 and 1920. Approximately 6.5 million British War Medals were issued. Approximately 6.4 million of these were the silver versions of this medal. Around 110,000 of a bronze version were issued mainly to Chinese, Maltese and Indian Labour Corps. The front (obv or obverse) of the medal depicts the head of George V. The recipient's service number, rank, name and unit was impressed on the rim.
The Allied Victory Medal (also known as 'Wilfred') was issued by each of the allies. It was decided that each of the allies should each issue their own bronze victory medal with a similar design, similar equivalent wording and identical ribbon. The British medal was designed by W. McMillan. The front depicts a winged classical figure representing victory. Approximately 5.7 million victory medals were issued. Interestingly, eligibility for this medal was more restrictive and not everyone who received the British War Medal ('Squeak') also received the Victory Medal ('Wilfred'). However, in general, all recipients of 'Wilfred' also received 'Squeak' and all recipients of The 1914 Star or The 1914/1915 Star (also known as 'Pip') also received both 'Squeak' and 'Wilfred'. The recipient's service number, rank, name and unit was impressed on the rim.
Further Information
If you can provide any further information on Charles Whitfield please get in touch by leaving a comment below, using our Contact Form or by calling in to Whitchurch Heritage Centre.
Information provided by Whitchurch Museum and Archives
Charles Whitfield was my Great Grandfather,his son – Enoch Percy was my Grandfather.
The Charles Whitfield killed in WW1 was the brother of Enoch Percy Whitfield. Their father was also called Charles.
Terry Fry
Volunteer. Whitchurch Museum & Archives