ARTHUR JOHN WHITTAKER

From May through to September 2026, Andrew will be fulfilling his dream to hike the iconic Land’s End to John O’Groats! You are all warmly invited to follow Andrew’s epic journey on his Facebook page, “Andrew Beal LEJOG” https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61577588795730

As Andrew hikes the 1,300+ miles, he will raise funds for the Ipswich War Memorial Project to help finance our future exhibitions and research of the brave Ipswich men and women who lost their lives in conflict. If you would like to make a small donation, please click on the link: https://gofund.me/5d4a50570

Thank you for your love and support. Andrew & Helen – I.W.M.P.

Born: 1916, Bradford, West Yorkshire.

Died: 28th November 1939; age: 23; aircraft crashed at Simonsbath, Somerset.

Residence: 14, Oakwell Oval, Roundhay, West Yorkshire.

Rank: Aircraftman First Class/Wireless Operator; Service Number: 537645.

Regiment: Royal Air Force, 148 Squadron.

Grave Reference:

X.H.5.250.

Ipswich New Cemetery,

Ipswich.

Father: Irvin Whittaker, born June 1887, Kirkburton, Yorkshire.

Mother: Alice Jane Whittaker (nee Bell), born April 1889, Penrith, Cumberland.

CENSUS

1921   15, Avondale Place, Halifax, West Yorkshire.

Arthur was years and 9 months old and lived with his parents and maternal grandparents.

Irvin Whittaker, 34 years old, an Insurance Superintendent for Prudential Co. Ltd., at 15, Waterhouse Street, Halifax.

Alice Jane Whittaker, 32 years & 2 months old, a Housewife.

John Bell, 70 years & 4 months old, a retired Body Coach Builder, born Beetham, Westmorland.

Mary Ellen Bell (nee Haston), 64 years & 8 months old, a Housewife, born Kendal, Westmorland.

In 1939, in Ipswich, Arthur married Dorothy Peggy Margaretta Trudgill, born March 1920, Woodbridge, Suffolk – daughter of  Kate Emily Trudgill (nee Trudgill), of 78, Heath Road, Ipswich, and Harry William Trudgill.

ENGLAND & WALES REGISTER 1939

Arthur’s wife, Dorothy, lived with her mother at the Trudgill family home – 78, Heath Road, Ipswich.

Kate Emily Trudgill (nee Trudgill), born February 1880, unpaid Domestic Duties.

28th November 1939

Aircraft: Anson I; Serial Number: N5084. The twin-engine aircraft crashed at Simonsbath, near Minehead, Somerset, during a night cross-country flight.

Crew:

Thomas William Storey; Flight Officer/Pilot; age 29; R.A.F.

Thomas Robert Moss; Sergeant/Observer; age 29; R.A.F.

Gerald Roland Cecil Talbot; Sergeant/Observer; age 22; R.A.F.

Frederick Challenger Overall; Aircraftman Second Class/Wireless Operator/Air Gunner; age 23; R.A.F.