Private Whitcombe 10th Queens Own Royal West Kent

[MJM]

I am trying to find some information as to the events leading up to the death of Private Stephen James Whitcombe (see CWGC info below).

I have checked other casualties buried at Meteren - he is the only RWKR in December 1916. I have also used Geoff's Search Engine to filter 10th Bn casualties - He appears to be only casualty around this time.

MIC does not give clues as to KIA or DoW

If any RWKR experts can assist with his service history or 10th Bn actions around this time or any war diary extracts I would be grateful

Thanks

MJM

Name: WHITCOMBE, STEPHEN JAMES

Initials: S J

Nationality: United Kingdom

Rank: Private

Regiment/Service: Queen's Own (Royal West Kent Regiment)

Unit Text: 10th Bn.

Age: 29

Date of Death: 12/12/1916

Service No: 15462

Additional information: Husband of Emily Ellen Whitcombe, of 12, Seymour Place, Wincheap, Canterbury.

Casualty Type: Commonwealth War Dead

Grave/Memorial Reference: V. F. 725.

Cemetery: METEREN MILITARY CEMETERY

[Longboat]

MJM

From SDGW:

Surname WHITCOMBE

Christian Name(s) Stephen James

Born Whistable, Kent

Enlisted Canterbury, Kent

Died Date 12/12/16

Died How Died

According to Capt. C.T Atkinson's "The Queen's Own Royal West Kent Regiment 1914-1919" the 10th battalion was to serve on a frontage S.E of Ypres. He goes on to say, "It was not only the closing months of 1916 which they were to spend there, 1917 was three parts gone before they finally quitted "the Salient.""

I know it's not much but I hope it helps

Stuart.

[Esskay]

Hi MJM - you could order a copy of his death certificate for GBP7.00 from http://www.gro.gov.uk/gro/content/certificates/

You just need to sign up - and request an overseas certificate - GRO WAR DEATHS ARMY OTHER RANKS (1914 to1921)

The ref is 1916 - vol I 72 - page 147

If he was not KIA you are likely to have a place and cause of death shown - though from what I understand there is not an absolute guarantee on this type of certificate - so it could be a bit of gamble

Good Luck

Sue K

[MJM]

Thanks Stuart & Sue for your info

MJM

[Jonathan Saunders]

Pte Whitcombe's service number G/15462 suggests a November, or more likely, December, 1915, enlistment. He either volunteered for immediate enlistment or joined via the Derby scheme (a process by which you pledged to serve when called upon). If he joined under "Derby" then as a married man I think I am right in saying he would not have been called up until March 1916 at the earliest.

The 10 Bn had been formed in early 1915 and was under training until crossing to Flanders in May 1916. It was in Brigade Reserve for the 41st Division's first major action of 15th Sept 1916, but still sustained approx 100 casualties. Therefore it received reinforcements as it left the Somme for teh Ypres Salient. If Pte Whitcombe was not an original member of 10 Bn in May 1916, then he most likely joined 10 Bn in the Field around October 1916 as a repalcement for the Bttn's losses on the Somme.

I hope this information helps.

Regards,

Jonathan S

[MJM]

Jonathan

Thanks for the info

MJM

[Guest Kennett]

I am Stephen Whitcombe's great grandson. I came across this site when I did a search of his name. I remember many years ago my Grandmother, Irene Maud Kennett (nee Whitcombe), showing me what I recall was a war office telegram. It said that he died at Mont des Cats. His name is on the Buttermarket memorial outside Canterbury Cathedral and this year I had the honour of visiting his grave at Meteren cemetery. I hope that this information is of use to you.

[Jonathan Saunders]

I am Stephen Whitcombe's great grandson. I came across this site when I did a search of his name. I remember many years ago my Grandmother, Irene Maud Kennett (nee Whitcombe), showing me what I recall was a war office telegram. It said that he died at Mont des Cats. His name is on the Buttermarket memorial outside Canterbury Cathedral and this year I had the honour of visiting his grave at Meteren cemetery. I hope that this information is of use to you.

Gavin - welcome to the Forum and the information relating to your Great Grandfather. Would you have a photo of him that you could post on this thread?

Regards,

Jonathan S