Personal History
Cecil Bertram White was born in Ayot St. Peter on the 15th July 1891, the second son of James and Emily (née Perris) White. His father was the coachman at Ayot Bury for Mrs Holdsworth who later came to live at Lemsford House. By 1911 the family had moved to North Road, Lemsford. Cecil worked as a tailor, ran for Hertfordshire and in 1910 was Captain of the Lemsford Football Team. He was engaged to be married to Grace Wren, the sister of Christopher Wren. She died on the 22nd September 1918 aged 29, reputedly of a broken heart.
No record of attending St John's School
War Record
24th Battalion of the Royal Fusiliers
On the 6th November 1915, aged 24, Cecil enlisted at Great Scotland Yard, London and joined the 30th Battalion of the Royal Fusiliers, also known as the City of London Regiment. By the time of his death he had transferred to the 24th Battalion (known as the 2nd Sportsman's). His Army Small Book describes him as being 5ft 3 ins tall, with fair complexion, grey eyes and brown hair.
War Memorial
After being wounded twice Cecil returned to the front and took part in the Battle of the Somme. Private 4335 Cecil White of the 24th Battalion of the Royal Fusiliers died on Wednesday August 16th 1916 aged 25 and is buried in grave B 9, Carnoy Military Cemetery, Somme, France. Captain Finnie of the 4th Fusiliers in a letter to Cecil's parents wrote: “You have already been informed that your son was sniped on the 16th August. His equipment, along with many other sets, was blown to pieces, after it had been taken off his body. Your son was buried by men of his own company. He was a splendid soldier and liked by all in the company. He died doing his duty, a thing I know you will be proud to hear. His comrades sympathise with you in your great loss”. ( Bishop’s Hatfield Parish Magazine, Lemsford News April 1917).
