Private Alan Whitaker
58044 13th Royal Welsh Fusiliers C Coy
Missing in action 23rd August 1918, aged 19
Born in Burnley
Lived at 20 Hawks Terrace, Reedley
Formerly 91 Manchester Road
Burnley Express 5th October 1918

His father John Dent Whitaker served in the Merchant Navy during the war

On the morning of the 23rd August 1918, the 13th Royal Welsh Fusiliers led an attack to seize Rubber Lane ; also clear Crucifix Corner, the site of a strong point. The attack was on La Boisselle ( Somme ), the scene of much action in 1916.
Covered by an artillery barrage, the assault commenced at 4:55am, on a wide front of some 2,000 yards and penetrated to depth of 1,800 yards. It was not child’s play, although all objectives were taken by 9:45am.
The 13th Battalion lost 1 Officer and 20 other ranks; 5 Officers wounded and 117 other ranks wounded: 19 other ranks were missing (killed or prisoners of war).

DOCTORS SON
( Burnley Express 5/9/18)

Private Alan Whitaker, Royal Welsh Fusiliers (58044) elder son of Doctor & Mrs J. D. Whitaker, 20 Hawke’s Terrace, Reedley, has made the supreme sacrifice. He attested on his 17th birthday, joining the Army on August 30th, 1917, at 18 he trained at Whitechurch, Kenner Park , and Bury St Edmond . He went out to France in April, 1918, and was killed in action August 23rd, aged 19. He was employed at Messrs Howarth & Brothers, Barden Lane .

Roll of Honour
( Burnley Express)
WHITAKER-In loving and proud memory of Alan, elder son of J. D. & S Whitaker, who was killed in action in France , on August 23rd, 1918, aged 19.
--30 Hawke’s Terrace, Reedley