Horace's Story.
EARLY LIFE
Horace Whittle was born in Macclesfield on 10 September and baptised on 7 December 1898 at Christ Church, Macclesfield, the only son of Bertha Ellen (nee Smith) and Daniel George Whittle, a carter of 4 Waterloo St West, Macclesfield.
In 1901, two-year-old Horace was living at 37 Wellington St, Macclesfield, with his mother, who was a silk weaver, and baby sister Dorothy Mabel. Horace's father was away from home at Beaumaris, serving as a driver with the Militia. Ten years later in 1911, twelve-year-old Horace, a schoolboy, was living at 38 Waterside with his parents and sisters Dorothy Mabel (10) and Cora (17 months). Horace's father was then with his family, working as a master window cleaner. Horace's mother Bertha died in 1913.
Horace was educated at Christ Church School. In 1918 and 1919, his name appeared in the Absent Voter's Lists at 31 Water Street, Macclesfield, the home of his maternal grandmother.
MILITARY SERVICE
Horace enlisted in Macclesfield, joining the Lancashire Fusiliers, and was drafted overseas in 1916. He was killed in action on 22 August 1918, aged 19.
COMMEMORATION
Private Horace Whittle is buried in grave ref II. E. 1. of the Queens Cemetery, Bucquoy, France.
Locally, Private Horace Whittle is commemorated on the Park Green, Town Hall, St Michael's Church and Christ Church School war memorials.
SOURCES
GRO (England & Wales) Index: Births
Census (England & Wales): 1891, 1901, 1911
WWI Absent Voters Lists (FindMyPast): Macclesfield Parliamentary Division
Lives of the First World War website
Commonwealth War Graves Commission website
Research by Rosie Rowley, Congleton.
Research by Rosie Rowley, Congleton.