No. 3/10648, Private, Philip WHIFFING
Aged 24
|
Philip WHIFFING was born in Haverhill (Risbridge Q4-1890 4A:596), the son of William and Emma WHIFFING (née GOWERS).
1891 census...Aged 4 months,he was at 34 Mill Road, Haverhill with his father William WHIFFING [30] rug weaver; his mother Emma [26] tailoress; brothers Frederick [9], Bertie [7], Harry [6] and Jabez [3]; sister Florence [5]. All were born in Haverhill. 1901 census...Aged 10, he was at 19 Chauntry Road, Haverhill with his parents; sisters Florence (trousers machinist), Kate [8] and Gertrude [3]; brothers harry (wool winder),Jabez [13], Arthur [5] and William [2] 1911 census...Aged 20, he was at Salvation Army Shelter, Blackfriars Road,London a potman/barman. His mother died in 1904, father has not been found |
He enlisted in Leeds. Two letters, written by Philip's brother, Gunner Arthur Whiffing who was with the RFA, to one of his sisters, which were published in the South-West Suffolk Echo: On 10th July 1915 he enquired: 'Is Phil out here with his regiment yet? I haven't seen any of his regiment where we are.' and on 23rd October 1915 he wrote: You told me Phil had been wounded, I hope it is not serious, and you must let me know if it is and whether he is getting on.' The October letter was unfortunately written some two months after Philip had died. From the book 'British Regiments at Gallipoli' by Ray Westlake:- The Bn. landed at Suvla on the 6th August at "B" Beach and moved forward in attack on Lala Baba, in which it was engaged day and night and with heavy losses. The Bn. withdrew to a rest area on the 8th August but was moved to the area Tekke Tepe Ridge on the 9th August and took part in the advance and fighting at the Cut.They were relieved on the 11th August and moved to the beach area. |
click here to go to the Commonwealth War Graves Commission website for full cemetery/memorial details