CYRIL JOHN WHITBY

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: 15th July 1923, Clacton-on-Sea, Essex.

Died: 23rd December 1945; age: 22; at Baragwanath Military Hospital, Johannesburg, South Africa.

Residence: 1, Newton Street, Ipswich.

Occupation: Capstan Lathe Operator.

Rank: Leading Aircraftman; Service Number: 1808146.

Regiment: Royal Air Force Volunteer Reserve, 355 Squadron.

Grave Reference:

Military Section – Grave 384.

Westpark Cemetery,

Gauteng,

Johannesburg,

South Africa.

Relatives Notified & Address: Son of Robert Charles Whitby & Elizabeth Louisa Whitby, of Ipswich.

Father: Robert Charles Whitby, born December 1892, Ipswich.

Mother: Elizabeth Louise Kate Whitby (nee Sodeau), born September 1889, Bethnal Green, London.

ENGLAND & WALES REGISTER 1939.

Cyril was a Capstan Lathe Operator. He lived with his mother and siblings at their family home – 49, Lacey Street, Ipswich.

Elizabeth, unpaid Domestic Duties.

Patricia Rose Whitby, a Shop Assistant – Confectionery, born February 1920, Clacton on Sea.

Sylvia Lilian Brenda Whitby, in the Silk Dept. – Factory, born November 1921, Clacton on Sea.

Robert Charles Whitby, at School, born May 1929, Clacton on Sea.

1 other.

In 1939, Cyril’s father, Robert Charles Whitby, a general labourer, lived with his partner, Mabel Edith Box, born October 1903, in Essex.

Probate to Elizabeth Louisa Whitby – mother.

Cyril’s mother, 56 years old, Mrs. Elizabeth Whitby, of 1, Newton Road, Ipswich, learned in October that her son was dangerously ill in a hospital near Johannesburg. She was flown by the RAF to South Africa to spend Christmas with her dying son. Mrs. Whitby reached her son’s bedside a few hours before he died. She returned home on Wednesday, 23rd January 1946, by ship.

Cyril’s sister, Patricia Rose Summers (nee Whitby), also lost her husband during the Second World War. ERNEST JOHN CHAPMAN SUMMERS was ranked a Bombardier for the Royal Artillery, 7th Mountain Regiment. He died from wounds on the 8th September 1944, aged 22, and was laid to rest at Arezzo War Cemetery, Italy. Patricia and Ernest had one son.