Harry Whittle
Harry Whittle was a Croston man, born in the village in 1890 to his parents Jane and Edward, being one of six children. He lived on Town Lane in the village up to his marriage in 1913 to Wilhemenia Wilson at St. Michael’s Church in Croston (their daughter, Margery, being born in 1914). The family attended St. Michael’s Church in the village and the 1911 Census recorded Harry living at number 26 Town Lane and working as a Tailor – his father being a Farmer and “Assistant Overseer of the Poor” (no doubt on Croston Parish Council).
Harry was wounded at Serre on the 1st July 1916 and afterwards was transferred to the Labour Corps as Private 228463. Harry was killed along with fellow Chorley Pal, Thomas Bullen, when the motorbike they were riding on hit a coach on Langton Brow, Eccleston at 8.10 p.m. on the 7th September 1924. During the inquest into his death it was stated that he was living apart from his wife at the time; Harry Whittle is buried in St. Michael & All Angel’s churchyard at Croston.
Other Information: Harry’s brother, Leo, died of wounds on the 28th September 1918 serving as Gunner 151206 with the Royal Garrison Artillery; he is buried at Grevillers British Cemetery near Bapaume.
