Source: Michael Doyle Their Name Liveth For Evermore: The Great War Roll of Honour for Leicestershire and Rutland.
He was the son of Henry Whatton, an inn keeper, born 1855 in Willenhall, Staffs., and his wife Eliza A. Whatton (nee Garner), born 1861 in Aylestone, Leicester. William Henry was born in 1896 in Aylestone, Leicester, his siblings were, Beatrice C., born 1898, James A., born 1900 and Edward J., born 1901, the latter three siblings were all born in Long Clawson, Leics., in March 1901 the family home was at the Royal Oak Inn, Main Street, Long Clawson, Leics. In April 1911 William was employed as an errand boy and was residing in the family home at Florence Street, Leicester, together with his father, now a general blacksmith, his mother and siblings, Beatrice, James, Edward, Frederick, born 1903 in Long Clawson, Leics., and Ivy, born 1907 in Aylestone Park, Leics. On Friday October 26th 1917 The Melton Mowbray Times & Vale of Belvoir Gazette published the following article under the heading. “LOCAL AND DISTRICT NEWS” – THURMASTON. LOCAL SOLDIER KILLED.- Notification has been received that Gunner W. Whatton, R.G.A., was killed in action on September 3rd. Prior to joining up in May last, the deceased was employed as Messrs. Borland’s coach body builders, Granby Street. His parents reside at 309, Main Street, Thurmaston.