Other Information:Charles was a naïve of Boston. He was employed for about 10 years as chief clerk and cashier with the firm of Messrs. Fisher, Clark and Co. of Boston. Before that he was on the staff of the 'Boston Post'. Charles was also a member of the Boston Amateur Operatic Society, and had a great interest in athletic matters and had received several prizes in flat racing competitions. Charles volunteered and enlisted into the RAMC at Lincoln on the 29th October 1915. He did his training at Aldershot and Salisbury Plain and was then drafted to France in February 1916. Charles was granted leave in August 1917, he visited Boston and returned to France on the 20th of the same month. At his own request, Charles was transferred from a Stationary Hospital for service in the field, and because of this he was reverted to a Pte from the rank of acting Corporal. On the 6th November 1917, a letter was sent to Charles's cousin, Miss E E Johnston of 16 Henry Street, Peterborough from his commanding officer, which read "Dear Miss Johnston, - I am extremely sorry to have to confirm the news that No 78069 Pte C J Whitehead, of this unit, has been killed in action on the 12th instant. He was one of a party carrying a patient down to the Advanced Dressing Station at Victoria House, in front of St. Julian, when a shell burst near by, killing three of them. He was buried close by where he fell, and the grave is marked by a cross. He had been with us only a short time, but had convinced everyone of his readiness for any duty, and his loss will be felt by all in the unit. Please accept my sincere condolences and commiserations from all his comrades in the Ambulance". [Source of information and photo: The Boston Guardian and Lincolnshire Independent. Information kindly provided by John Kitchen]. William St Clair wrote about the incident in a letter home, published in the book 'The Road to St. Julien - The letters of a Stretcher-Bearer'. He wrote on the 16th October 1917 "I dare say you will have an idea why you have not had many letters from me for some time. We have been in action, and are still. … Our losses in the Ambulance have been heavier than usual. One squad had a shell all to themselves as they were carrying a case and three were killed and the other one wounded and the patient had the good luck to escape being re-hit." Two other members of the unit who died that day and who are commemorated on the Tyne Cot Memorial are 32163 Pte George FREEMAN and 37551 Frank MILLS. Charles Jesse Whitehead was the son of Mr and Mrs G O Whitehead of 74 Kirkby Street, Lincoln.
|