Captain P W T MacGregor-Whitton

[Malcolm]

Dear pals,

Percy MacGregor-Whitton died on 9th July 1916 serving in 2nd Royal Scots Fusiliers in 30th Division . An article I have gives

..........2nd Royal Scots Fusiliers captured Maltz Horn Farm in which action their commanding officer Lt Col P W T MacGregor-Whitton was killed.............

CWGC gives him as Captain, the War Memorial at Crieff gives Captain.

I assume ( dodgy I know) that Captain was his substantive rank and he ws acting CO at the time of his death.

Any other info out there?

Aye

Malcolm

[Alan Seymour]

In 'Officers Died' he is listed as follows:-

Macgregor-Whitton, Percy William Thomas, Capt. (Tp.) k. in a., 9/7/16.

Alan Seymour

[Muerrisch]

Battalion War Diary might well help. Captains 'acting up' two ranks were common indeed. If he were only Acting, and had held the appointment for less than a month, in death would he revert to captain, and his widow if any [or dependants] would only receive captain's pension and gratuity.

Some regimental archivists/curators have taken the trouble to list all officers commanding, however temporary and lowly.

[Alan Seymour]

To follow on from my previous posting, the June 1916 'Army List' list MacGregor-Whitton P.W.T. - 2nd Bn, Lieutenant 31 Jan. 15 (temp. Capt. 21 Oct. 15).

Alan Seymour

[John_Hartley]

Malcolm

Also try searching him on London Gazette and see what you get

John

[Muerrisch]

I don't think the LG reacted to acting promotions ..... I think it waited until they became Temporary, after the officer was recommended for that step and had held it for a calendar month. Not that I have chapter and verse.

[Bob Coulson]

British Battalions on the Somme gives,

Lieutenant-Colonel P W T Macgregor-Whitton.

Bob.

[Malcolm]

Thanks for the info guys. A visit to the PRO would be nice but will have to wait until sometime next year.

Aye

Malcolm

[Guest crwhitton]

I saw that you posted information regarding a PWT Macgregor-Whitton who died in 1916. I have been researching everyone called Whitton for about 10 years and in my database I have the ancestors of this individual.

I found it of interest that the surame is quoted as Macgregor-Whitton in the CWGC as his father who was a Col in the Royal Scotts is a James Mcgregor Whitton and the suname is in all cases Whitton. If you are looking for information you may find it under Whitton rather than Macgregor-Whitton. His father and brothers details are registered under Whitton but may have used Macgregor-Whitton.

Robert Whitton, (not related to this family)

Edinburgh, Scotland

Descendants of Robert Whitton

Generation No. 1

1. Robert1 Whitton was born Abt. 1750. He married Mary Grewer 29 December 1775 in Dundee. She was born Abt. 1750.

Notes for Robert Whitton:

a manufacturer

a Cloth Maker

Children of Robert Whitton and Mary Grewer are:

+ 2 i. Catherine2 Whitton, born 31 December 1776 in Dundee; died 15 July 1842 in Dundee.

3 ii. Mary Whitton, born 5 July 1778 in Dundee; died 25 September 1857 in Kirkton, Mains b Old Houff 30-9. She married ? Miller.

Notes for ? Miller:

a Farmer

+ 4 iii. James Whitton, born 31 May 1780 in Dundee; died 20 November 1858 in 33 Millertown, Dundee.

+ 5 iv. Marjory Whitton, born 5 May 1782 in Dundee; died 11 October 1863.

6 v. Anne Whitton, born 4 August 1784 in Dundee.

7 vi. William Whitton, born 14 January 1789 in Dundee.

8 vii. Robert Whitton, born 25 June 1786 in Dundee.

9 viii. Elizabeth Whitton, born 1791; died 5 December 1865 in 69 Hilltown, Dundee.

Notes for Elizabeth Whitton:

a single housekeeper at death

will Dundee Sherrif Court 8-1-1866

Generation No. 2

2. Catherine2 Whitton (Robert1) was born 31 December 1776 in Dundee, and died 15 July 1842 in Dundee. She married Andrew Low 13 February 1795 in Dundee.

More About Catherine Whitton:

Cause of Death: Influenza

Notes for Andrew Low:

a Manufacturer

Child of Catherine Whitton and Andrew Low is:

+ 10 i. Catherine3 Low, died 5 August 1889 in Brunswick, Victoria.

4. James2 Whitton (Robert1) was born 31 May 1780 in Dundee, and died 20 November 1858 in 33 Millertown, Dundee. He married Anne Christie 15 December 1807 in Dundee 282-14-2, daughter of Robert Christie and Isabella Alexander. She was born 1784, and died 8 February 1864.

Notes for James Whitton:

at 1841 census at Hilltown, Dundee Independant

a merchant

at 1851 census at Dundee City ref 289/00005/00011

information collected by Bob Thomson from Dundee Oct 2002 It is written on a beautiful headstone in the Eastern Cemetary, Dundee in a choice position shaped like a Church Spire

A Merchant

A sailcloth Maufacturer

Will available from ScottishDocuments.com

dated 11-2-1859 Dundee Sherrif Court

Notes for Anne Christie:

at 1841 census at Hilltown, Dundee

at 1851 census at Dundee City ref 289/00005/00011

information collected by Bob Thomson from Dundee Oct 2002 It is written on a beautiful headstone in the Eastern Cemetary, Dundee in a choice position shaped like a Church Spire

Will available from ScottishDocuments.com

dated 12-4-1864 Dundee Sherrif Court

Child of James Whitton and Anne Christie is:

+ 11 i. John3 Whitton, born 1806; died 23 February 1874.

5. Marjory2 Whitton (Robert1) was born 5 May 1782 in Dundee, and died 11 October 1863. She married John Justice 25 May 1804 in Dundee. He died Bef. 1863.

Notes for John Justice:

an Ironmonger

Child of Marjory Whitton and John Justice is:

12 i. ?3 Justice. She married James Paxton.

Generation No. 3

10. Catherine3 Low (Catherine2 Whitton, Robert1) died 5 August 1889 in Brunswick, Victoria. She married Thomas Bathie Reid 4 June 1850 in Scotland, Dundee?. He died 4 May 1901 in Brunswick, Victoria.

Notes for Thomas Bathie Reid:

emigrated to Adelaide, South Australia in 1851 they later moved to Victoria

Child of Catherine Low and Thomas Reid is:

+ 13 i. Catherine4 Reid, died 11 October 1927 in Dunedin, New Zealand.

11. John3 Whitton (James2, Robert1) was born 1806, and died 23 February 1874. He married Agnes Barry 31 March 1840 in Dundee or Glamis, daughter of Alexander Barry and Ann Guthrie. She was born 1807, and died 19 December 1887 in 9 Dudhope Terrace, Dundee.

Notes for John Whitton:

at 1841 census at 2 Upper Dudhope Crescent, Dundee a Merchant

at 1851 census at Dundee City ref 282/00034/00039

at 1861 census at Dundee Second District ref 282/0202302008

at 1871 census at St Mary, Dundee ref 282-02007-000035

a will with a date 28-5-1874 exists which refers to this person I have NOT examined it

a Manufacturer at wifes death

a General Merchant at wifes death in 1897

occupation a Sailor noted at sons James McGregors death in 1933

information collected by Bob Thomson from Dundee Oct 2002 It is written on a beautiful headstone in the Eastern Cemetary, Dundee in a choice position shaped like a Church Spire

Notes for Agnes Barry:

at 1841 census at 2 Upper Dudhope Crescent, Dundee

at 1851 census at Dundee City ref 282/00034/00039

at 1861 census at Dundee Second District ref 282/0202302008

at 1871 census at St Mary, Dundee ref 282-02007-000035

information collected by Bob Thomson from Dundee Oct 2002 It is written on a beautiful headstone in the Eastern Cemetary, Dundee in a choice position shaped like a Church Spire

This is the Agnes Whitten in the 1881 census aged 63 b Glamis a widow annuitant who was at 8 Dudhope Street, Dundee with 2 servants

at 1891 census at 9 Dudhope Street, St Mary, Dundee a Widow Annuitant with a servant.

Will Dundee Sheriff Court 9 Dudhope Crescent 18-3-1898

Children of John Whitton and Agnes Barry are:

+ 14 i. James McGregor4 Whitton, born 20 February 1841 in Dundee, Angus Scotland c 1st May; died 6 February 1933 in Comrie ref 341/a-4.

15 ii. Alexander Barry Whitton, born 1844; died 11 December 1877 in Detroit, USA.

Notes for Alexander Barry Whitton:

at 1851 census at Dundee City ref 282/00034/00039 called Alex Barry Whitton

at 1861 census at Dundee Second District ref 282/0202302008 recorded at Alexr Beny Whitton

at 1871 census at St Mary, Dundee ref 282-02007-000035

information collected by Bob Thomson from Dundee Oct 2002 It is written on a beautiful headstone in the Eastern Cemetary, Dundee in a choice position shaped like a Church Spire

Testament dated 12-12-1884 Edinburgh Sheriff Court

16 iii. John Barry Whitton, born 10 April 1846 in Dundee; died 18 January 1888 in Suva, Fiji.

Notes for John Barry Whitton:

at 1851 census at Newton, Glamis with Grandfather and Aunts and Uncles

at 1861 census at Dundee Second District ref 282/0202302008 recorded as John Bery Whitton

at 1871 census at St Mary, Dundee ref 282-02007-000035

information collected by Bob Thomson from Dundee Oct 2002 It is written on a beautiful headstone in the Eastern Cemetery, Dundee in a choice position shaped like a Church Spire

Generation No. 4

13. Catherine4 Reid (Catherine3 Low, Catherine2 Whitton, Robert1) died 11 October 1927 in Dunedin, New Zealand. She married Charles George Batt. He died 13 December 1929 in Dundedin, New Zealand.

Notes for Charles George Batt:

emigrated from Australia to New Zealand about 1899-1903

Great Grandfather of Clarrie Batt

Child of Catherine Reid and Charles Batt is:

+ 17 i. ?5 Batt.

14. James McGregor4 Whitton (John3, James2, Robert1) was born 20 February 1841 in Dundee, Angus Scotland c 1st May, and died 6 February 1933 in Comrie ref 341/a-4. He married Eva Dora Harvey Abt. 1890 abroad possibly India, daughter of Perry Harvey and ? Leigh. She was born 1866 in Wexford, Ireland, and died 14 July 1954 in Archchollen, St Fillans, Perthsire.

Notes for James McGregor Whitton:

at 1841 census at 2 Upper Dudhope Crescent, Dundee

at 1851 census at Dundee City ref 282/00034/00039

not located in 1861 Scottish Census

Lt Col James Whitton Royal Scots Fusiliers 25th August 1894 was placed on half pay on completion of 4 years in charge of Bttn

at sons birth in 1894 at Murri, Punjab

informant at mothers death in 1897

at 1901 census at "Glenearn" Perth Road, Crieff a Visitor, Colonel Land Force Retired

a Col retired Royal Scots at death in 1933

Notes for Eva Dora Harvey:

at 1901 census at "Glenearn" Perth Road, Crieff a Visitor,

Children of James Whitton and Eva Harvey are:

18 i. Alan Ernest Harvey McGregor5 Whitton, born 1891 in India Service Returns ref 048-af-92; died 1958 in St Andrew, Edinburgh ref 685/2-356. He married Aagot Christine Berg 28 January 1958 in Monzie Castle, Crieff; born 1914; died 1978 in Crieff.

Notes for Alan Ernest Harvey McGregor Whitton:

at 1901 census at "Glenearn" Perth Road, Crieff a Visitor,

Medal card of Whitton, Alan Ernest Harvey McGregor

Corps:

Rank:

1914-1920

address at marriage in 1958 Ardchoille, St Fillans a Retired Army Officer

informant at mothers death in 1954

Some papers at Cambridge University Library

Notes for Aagot Christine Berg:

address at marriage in 1958 Ardchille, St Fillans

19 ii. Percy William Thomas Macgregor Whitton, born 23 October 1894 in Murri, Punjab, India; died 9 July 1916 in Recorded on Crieff War Memorial.

(His first name may have been Perry)

Notes for Percy William Thomas Macgregor Whitton:

at 1901 census at "Glenearn" Perth Road, Crieff a Visitor,

Captain

"C" Coy. 2nd Bn., Royal Scots Fusiliers

2nd Royal Scots Fusiliers captured Maltz Horn Farm in which action their commanding officer Lt Col P W T MacGregor-Whitton was killed

who died on

Sunday 9 July 1916 . Age 21 .

Additional Information: Son of Col. James MacGregor-Whitton (late Royal Scots Fusiliers), of Ardchoille, St. Fillans, Perthshire.

Cemetery: THIEPVAL MEMORIALSomme, France

Grave or Reference Panel Number: Pier and Face 3 C

[Malcolm]

Magregor-Whitton was an old boy of Morrison's Academy, Crieff. He was acting CO when the RSF attacked Malte Horn Farm. His substantive rank was Captain. Thanks for the info, it all helps.

Aye

Malcolm

also Edinburgh

[linge]

Malcolm

As he is on Thiepval we have a record for him (only basic CWGC info) but it does have a picture of him which was taken from The War Illustrated dated 30th September 1916. If you are interested in a copy I'll happily email it to you.

Let me know your email address if you want a copy.

Regards

Pam

[Malcolm]

I have two photos of him, the War Illustrated one and the Morrison's Academy Memorial book one. Thanks anyway.

Aye

Malcolm

[Malcolm]

and here's the other.

Aye

Malcolm

[rugbyremembers]

MacGregor Whitton was a rugby player at Rosslyn Park in London while at RMC Sandhurst. He is therefore on our new memorial unveiled 29/3/14 and in the RoH in The Final Whistle: the Great War in Fifteen Players

[Guest]

Captain MacGregor Whitton is also recorded in an incident at Sandhurst in 1913  while he was a cadet, which is also to his credit.

 

Taken from the biography of Major-General Eric Dorman-Smith;

 

"Anti-Semitism was rife at Sandhurst, and bullying a recurrent hazard, Both revolted him. Tipped off one evening that a rich Jewish cadet in his own company whom he liked was about to be given a humiliating ink bath. He determined to do something...

 

Only one other cadet a powerful Scot named MacGregor Whitton agreed to join the defence.

 

Together they took up their stand outside the unsuspecting quarry's room armed with hockey sticks the only weapons they could find.

 

The ringleaders were upset at our lack of solidarity. Eric noted later.

 

Whitton and I haranged them telling them what we thought of them, and while this was going on I heard people moving in behind us, having come up another staircase.

 

I thought we were for it then, but in fact they were a few deserters shamed into joining us"

 

P26 Chink a Biography by Lavinia Graecen, ISBN 0333-45395-6 MacMillan.

 

[Mlk03002]

Colonel Macgregor-Whitton was in the Royal Scots Fusiliers on retirement he lived at Ardchoil, St Fillans, Perthshire.  I am attaching painting to this thread as well...Any information on this painting or contact information for family would be greatly appreciated.

[BarbaraG]

Link..

 

https://www.greatwarforum.org/topic/284389-colonel-macgregor-whitton/?tab=comments#comment-2926429

[Mlk03002]

I would love to return this photo to the family of Colonel Macgregor-Whitton.....any help would be greatly appreciated. 

[Acknown]

As per the link:

https://www.greatwarforum.org/topic/284389-colonel-macgregor-whitton/?tab=comments#comment-2926429

my assessment is that the painting is of Colonel James MacGregor-Whitton, Percy's and Allan's father. If the artist was William Mervyn Glass, he probably painted it in the 20s or 30s. The LG has him commissioned into the Fife and Forfar Yeomanry in Jul 16.

Acknown

[BarbaraG]

Details on label suggest it may have been framed in 1922 / 1923 (?) Insurance cover.

 

Edited 25 August , 2020 by BarbaraG

[Acknown]

That adds up. Painted about 1921-22 then, and it is likely that James's black arm band is for Percy.

Acknown