Source: Michael Doyle Their Name Liveth For Evermore: The Great War Roll of Honour for Leicestershire and Rutland.
He was the son of William Henry Whitmore, a coal miner, born 1859 in North Kilworth, Leicestershire and his wife Elizabeth Whitmore (nee Scattergood, married in July 1880 in the Ashby de la Zouch, Leicestershire district), born 1st May 1860 in Moira, Leicestershire. Fred was born in the 4th quarter of 1894 in Hugglescote, Leicestershire, his siblings were, Sarah Jane, born 10th January 1887, Edith Ellen, born 20th October 1890, Alfred, born 8th September 1892, Fanny, born 16th September 1896 and John Edwin, born 16th December 1898, all his siblings were born in Hugglescote, in March 1901 the family home was at Main Street, Hugglescote. In April 1911 Fred was employed as a colliery office clerk and was residing in the family home at 7, Upper Main Street, Hugglescote, together with his father, a colliery weight checker, his mother and siblings, Sarah, Edith, an elementary school teacher, Alfred, a coal miner, Fanny, John, a schoolboy, Margaret, a schoolgirl, born 18th May 1901 and Carrie, a schoolgirl, born 31st December 1902, the latter two siblings were both born in Hugglescote. Fred also had the following older siblings, William Henry, born 1881, Annie Elizabeth, born 1883 and Mary Ellen, born 1885 the latter three siblings were all born in Ellistown, Leicestershire. Fred’s father died in April 1912 aged 53 in Hugglescote and his mother died in September 1947 aged 87 in Market Bosworth, Leicestershire.
Fred’s Army enlistment documents do not survive, all that is known of his military service is that he enlisted into the Royal Highlanders (The Black Watch), being allotted the service number S/7106, and with this unit he first entered the theatre of war in France on the 22nd April 1918, attaining the rank of Lance Corporal. He was wounded in action during June 1915 and was taken as a Prisoner of War to Germany where he died shortly after having his right leg amputated. He was awarded the 1914-15 STAR, British War Medal and Victory Medal.
On Tuesday June 29th 1915 The Leicester Daily Post published the following article under the heading. “LEICESTERSHIRE AND THE WAR.” – LOCAL CASUALTIES. – The mother of Lance-Corporal F. WHITMORE, of Hugglescote, received information last Friday morning that her son had been severely wounded, and was a prisoner in Germany. By Friday night’s post she received the further information that he had died while undergoing an operation, and was buried on Whit Wednesday. Much sympathy is felt for the family. The deceased before he enlisted in the 1st Black Watch was a clerk at the Desford Collieries, and highly respected by all who knew him. His companion, Mr. E. Hunt, who was his fellow clerk at the same colliery, and enlisted in the same regiment, was also wounded, and is now at one of the English hospitals.

Source: Leicestershire War Memorials Project.
Fred Whitmore was the son of William Whitmore and Elizabeth Scattergood of Kilworth and Oakthorpe, respectively. He had 3 brothers and 9 sisters. His brother Alf, had a son, also named Fred, who carried on the Whitmore name.

Submitted by R. Holmes, great-nephew of Fred Whitmore, 2018

Coalville Times article - Friday December 4th, 1914

Mr Fred Whitmore, secretary of the Hugglescote Wesleyan Football Club has joined the Black Watch and leaves for Scotland on Monday. There is some question as to whether the Hugglescote club will now go on, several others members having joined the army.

Coalville Times article - Friday June 11th, 1915

HUGGLESCOTE SOLDIER MISSING

FORMER CLERK AT DESFORD COLLIERY

The name of Lance-Corporal Fred Whitmore, of the 1st Black Watch, appeared in the official list of missing, published on Tuesday. Whitmore’s home is at Main Street, Hugglescote, being a son of the late Mr Wm. Whitmore, and in civilian life was a clerk at the Desford Colliery. He joined the Black Watch soon after the outbreak of war. He was an expert shot and had been engaged in sniping. He was an old boy of the Hugglescote British School and his old master, Mr W. Fellows, has been in communication with the War Office, but at present there is no information beyond that he is missing. A photo of Whitmore in his Highland uniform will appear in our next issue.

Coalville Times article - Friday June 18th, 1915

HUGGLESCOTE SOLDIER MISSING

Our photo is of Lance-Corpl. Fred Whitmore, of the 1st Black Watch, who is reported missing. He is a son of the late M.P. William Whitmore, Main Street, Hugglescote, an old Baptist school boy, and worked at the Desford Colliery Offices as a clerk before joining the army soon after the outbreak of war.

Coalville Times article - Friday June 25th, 1915

The friends of Lance-Corporal Fred Whitmore of the 1st Black Watch, of Hugglescote, who was reported missing, have received a letter from him this week, stating that he has been severely wounded and is a prisoner of war in Germany.

Coalville Times article - Friday July 2nd, 1915

HUGGLESCOTE SOLDIER DIES FROM WOUNDS

FORMER SECRETARY OF THE WESLEYAN FOOTBALL CLUB

In our last issue we published a portrait of Lance-Corporal Fred Whitmore, of the Black Watch, whose home is at Hugglescote, with the intimation that he had been wounded in action and taken a prisoner. We regret to state, however, that on Friday night, his mother received further information that her son had died while undergoing an operation, consequent on his injuries.

The deceased was a son of the late Mr Wm. Whitmore, and much sympathy is felt for his mother, who resides in Main Street. He was a much respected young man and before the war held a clerk’s position at the Desford Collieries. He also acted as secretary of the Hugglescote Wesleyan Football Club, the club being disbanded soon after he gave up this position to join the Black Watch. He was an old scholar of Mr W. Fellows, head master of the Hugglescote Baptist School.

His companion, Mr E. Hunt, who was his fellow clerk at the same colliery, and enlisted in the same regiment, was also wounded, and is now at one of the English hospitals.

Coalville Times article - Friday July 9th 1915

How Lance-Corporal F. Whitmore died.

Mrs Whitmore, of Main Street, Hugglescote, has received the following letter from a friend of her late son, Lance-Corpl. F. Whitmore, of the Black Watch, whose death from wounds received in action was reported last week:
Dear Madam, You will be surprised to receive this letter from me as I am unknown to you. I am writing to let you know that your son Fred arrived here on Sunday fortnight with four other men of the Black Watch. He was wounded in the right leg by shrapnel, which entered the thigh and broke the bone. An English comrade was in the same ward with him, whose name is H. Pardoe – Rifleman in the K.R.F.’s. I went to see and speak to him each morning and afternoon, and Rifleman Pardoe. He was always happy and well, except of course for his leg, which was painful. On Thursday, May 28th, the doctor told him it was absolutely necessary to amputate his leg, and he consented to have it off. So on Friday, at 12 o’clock, he was taken to the operating room, and the operation was quite successful, that is as far as amputating his leg was concerned, but, I am exceedingly sorry to say he died about a quarter of an hour afterwards, that would be about half-past one. Rifleman Pardoe was speaking with him after the operation, and poor Fred said to him, ‘It’s off all right, Harry,’ meaning his leg. Pardoe then told him to have some sleep, which he did, but the poor chap never woke. He will be buried either today or tomorrow, and Pardoe and I will be allowed to go to the funeral. I am sincerely sorry for you and your family in this your time of trouble. He will be always remembered in our prayers. May he rest in peace. I trust you will receive this letter safe. I am, dear madam, a comrade of Fred’s.

Lance-Corpl. J. Sharp
Royal Munster Fusiliers

Lance-Corpl. J. Sharp, 8488, is a British prisoner of war at Festungslazett, I Barracks, Wesil, Germany, and the above letter was written from there under date May 31st, 1915.

Coalville Times article – Friday April 2nd, 1920

WAR MEMORIAL AT HUGGLESCOTE CHURCH

UNVEILED BY COL. R. E. MARTIN

A tablet which has been placed in Hugglescote Parish Church, to the memory of men from the parish who fell in the war, was unveiled by Lt.-Colonel R. E. Martin, C.M.G., on Saturday afternoon in the presence of a large congregation.

The tablet is of excellent design, in keeping with the handsome edifice, and is of a permanent character, the names of 101 men being inscribed on Swithland slate, set in a frame of Ketton stone, surmounted by a cross and crown encircled in a carved laurel wreath, with similar carvings on either side. The inscription runs as follows:

“Their name liveth for evermore.”

“To the Glory of God, and in imperishable memory of the men of the parish who fell in the great war, 1914 – 1918.”

The names of the men inscribed on the tablet are as follows:-

H. A. Attwood, C. T. Beadman, J. Brooks, W. Baker, J. E. Briggs, H. G. Blackham, J. T. Bishop, J. Barrs, G. Barrs, R. Beadman, E. Bonser, G. Beale, J. G. Bennett, E. S. Boot, W. Berrisford, F. J. Betteridge, F. P. Benistone, J. W. Cawley, F. Chamberlain, J. A. Crookes, R. A. Cross, L. Cross, J. Cox, P. Cliff, J. W. F. Collier, C. Drewett, H. B. Drewett, S. Dodds, A. Elkin, H. C. Elkin, J. Farn, H. Fletcher, H. Finch, L. Finch, G. Firban, G. Gadsby, A. Gamble, S. F. Gamble, W. Gray, W. O. Hoden, O. Hallam, B. Hatter, J. Haywood, W. Hill, F. Hill, J. E. Hibbert, G. Hart, G. H. Highfield, E. Harper, J. W. Harper, H. Hall, J. E. Holmes, J. Jones, W. Jones, F. J. Kirby, I. V. Kelham, H. Lewis, W. Lewis, W. Massey, H. O. Moseley, T. Marriott, G. Martin, J. A. Moult, J. Maunders, J. Moon, I. Mycroft, W. Newbold, O. H. Pratt, J. A. Pegg, F. Pink, E. H. Palmer, W. Riley, A. T. Richardson, W. Rogers, C. Simmons, E. A. Stinchcombe, J. Summers, S. Summers, C. Shilton, G. Slatter, J. Smith, J. C. Shaw, S. Smith, G. Spencer, S. C. Smith, J. W. Setchell, W. Statham, A. G. Tovell, S. T. Timson, J. Tebbatt, F. Whitmore, E. Willett, B. Walker, H. Watson, C. H. Walker, J. Woods, T. Willett, A. Wright, A. Wood, J. Young and W. Young.

As the congregation passed into the church, members of the Hugglescote Church Lads’ Brigade, with the ex-Sergt.-Major W. Hill in charge, lined up on either side of the entrance and two of the Brigade with bowed heads and leaning on reversed rifles, stood by the memorial, covered with the Union Jack.

The service, which was very impressive, was conducted by the Rev. Canon Broughton (vicar) and opened with the hymn, “Stand up for Jesus.” Then followed prayers and collects. Psalm 130, and a lesson read by the Rev. J. C. Wallace, after which the clergy and choir proceeded to the memorial, led by the churchwardens, Messrs. W. E. Canner and J. W. Fletcher.

In unveiling the tablet, Colonel Martin said “To the glory of God and in imperishable memory of the men of this parish who fell in the great war 1914 – 1918, I unveil this tablet, which has been erected by their fellow parishioners in grateful recognition of their self-sacrifice.”

The “Last Post” having been sounded by buglers of the Church Lads’ Brigade, the choir and clergy returned to their places and Colonel Martin gave an address from the chancel steps.

He spoke of the memorable days in August 1914, when the principles on which our national life is based were being assailed, and it was the part of every true man to stand in defence of them. They had tangible proof that the spirit which was then evoked in the nation was the same spirit as that shown by their forefathers who went out to fight country’s enemies. He would never forget the day about the end of August, 1914, when the North Midland Territorial Division, which had been mobilised about three weeks, was told to fill up its ranks for service abroad. It fell to him, among others, to come back into Leicestershire to try and explain to the people what they were up against, and he remembered what a splendid response they gave. In the North Midland Division, between 80 and 90 per cent of the men said they were prepared to go anywhere, though many of them were married men who had never experienced Army service before. Many things have happened since – much self-seeking, a desire to get rich quickly, many apparent inequalities of justice and self-sacrifice – but he was sure they could all take comfort from the fact that there was tangible proof given in those days that the nation was sound at heart and could be trusted to do the right thing when the crisis really arose. And what happened when the armies got overseas and began their real work? He ventured to say that no one had the privilege of serving in a better battalion. The men from that district – Coalville men they always called them – were a splendid lot of men filled with genuine enthusiasm for fitting themselves for the part which they had to play, and who on getting across the water, proved themselves as good as the best. He went on to speak of evidences of practical Christianity displayed by the men, and of deeds of heroism which came to his notice. One instance he recalled was when they were between Hill 60 and Ypres. When the Brigadier realised that he had in the ranks men accustomed to mining, he formed a number of Coalville men into a mining section, whose duty it was to construct projecting galleries in front of the trenches, to find out if the Germans were under-mining. One day a member of the party came across a German mine filled with German explosives in large quantities, and it would have been a very natural thing for him to want to get away from it as soon as possible, but instead of that, he crawled over the top and disconnected the mine and came back and reported it to his commanding officer. This man, whose name was Starbuck, had no thought for his own safety, but first took steps to safeguard his comrades.

Proceeding, Col. Martin said his services came to an end in October, 1915, but he had always felt ever since then that the war had been worth while, if for nothing else than for the fine spirit it brought out, and if the same spirit could be shown in regard to present day problems, it would go a long way towards reaching a solution. He was not one of those who said this country ought to have stood aside and have taken advantage of the trade while other countries were fighting. The people, who said that, he thought, were wrong. He thought that what the people of this country did when they found what they were up against should be an example and pattern to them now. If the war had done nothing else, with all the misery, self-sacrifice and sorrow, he believed they were worth while because they afforded the opportunity which was taken by so many of showing a truly Christian spirit. He believed that experience had not been lost, but would help them to get through present day difficulties with credit to themselves.

The closing hymn was 11, “For all the saints,” and a collection was taken for St. Dunstan’s Hostel for Blind Soldiers and Sailors. As the congregation were leaving the church, Mr F. Baxter (organist) played, “O, rest in the Lord.” Before and after the service, peals were rung with the bells half-muffled.

Coalville Times article - Friday May 21st, 1920

HUGGLESCOTE BAPTIST WAR MEMORIAL

UNVEILING OF A COMMUNION TABLE

The memory of young men from the Hugglescote Baptist Church and Sunday School, who fell in the war is to be perpetuated by a handsome oak communion table, with an inlaid brass plate, containing fourteen names, and a suitable inscription, and at a special service last Sunday afternoon the table was unveiled.

The ceremony was performed by the Rev. C. Barker (pastor) in the presence of a large congregation. The inscription and names on the table are as follows:

“In memory of those who gave their lives for freedom in the great war, 1914 – 1918”

James Cox, John W. Williamson, Frederick Chamberlain, Charles Drewett, John W. Brooks, J. W. T. Collier, John W. Barrs, T. Percy Deacon, George Barrs, Charles H. Shilton, George Wood, H. B. Drewett, Leslie Cross and Fred Whitmore.

The hymns sung during the service were “O God our help,” “Now the labourer’s task is o’er,” and “For all the saints.” Prior to the unveiling, the Rev. C. Barker read appropriate passages of scripture, and gave an address dealing with what had been accomplished in the war, and the debt they owed to the men who accomplished it. Ex-Captain J. Emmerson also gave a short address, speaking of his connection with the boys.

The Rev. C. Barker also read a letter from Captain Jamie, in which he wrote, “I very much appreciate the honour you have done me in suggesting that I should assist in the unveiling of your war memorial, and were it at all possible for me to get over to Coalville on that day I should have been proud to do so. However, I am afraid that is impossible. I very much regret this, as I was closely associated with many of your Hugglescote men during the war, and would gladly have taken such an opportunity of paying homage to the memory of those whose names are on the roll of honour.”

At the close of the service, the congregation sang “God bless our native land.” On Sunday evening, the Rev. C. Barker preached a memorial sermon, based on the text, “They being dead, yet speak.” Hebrews 11 – 4.

The collections realised over £10 towards the cost of the table, over £70, the whole of which has now been raised.

Research undertaken and submitted (including photograph from the Coalville Times) by Andy Murby 5/9/2017