Private James Whittaker Army Service Corps
The Man James Whittaker was born in about 1986 and enlisted into the Army Service Corps, Mechanical Transport section with service Number M2-019448. Following the outbreak of World War I on 4th August 1914, James was sent to France arriving on 23rd December 1914. He survived the war and was transferred to the Z Class reserve being awarded the 1914-15 Star, British War Medal 1914-18 and Victory Medal. Following the War James joined the Special Constabulary and was awarded the Long Service Medal after nine years’ service. No further detail is known about James Whittaker
The Story The medals awarded to James Whittaker were purchased at Newark Antiques Fair on 9th October 2020, having been seen on one of the first stalls upon entry and revisited towards the end of the day where they were still available.
Although the group was sadly missing the British War Medal, they were of interest because of the reasonable price and the fact a man who had served his country through the privations of World War I from the very beginning and then gone on to serve as a Special Constable had been rewarded, but these hard earned awards were now lying in a tatty uncared for condition on an antique dealers table open to all the elements. An offer was made and after some negotiation were acquired. Thanks to the Special Constabulary Medal having James’ first name engraved, finding the Medal Index Card and rolls was quite simple, but sadly no other records appear to exist. Thus, only basic details are available and as his is a common name on Ancestry.UK nothing else can be definitively identified. Nevertheless, James Whittaker is now at least remembered and rescued from total obscurity.
Although the group was sadly missing the British War Medal, they were of interest because of the reasonable price and the fact a man who had served his country through the privations of World War I from the very beginning and then gone on to serve as a Special Constable had been rewarded, but these hard earned awards were now lying in a tatty uncared for condition on an antique dealers table open to all the elements. An offer was made and after some negotiation were acquired. Thanks to the Special Constabulary Medal having James’ first name engraved, finding the Medal Index Card and rolls was quite simple, but sadly no other records appear to exist. Thus, only basic details are available and as his is a common name on Ancestry.UK nothing else can be definitively identified. Nevertheless, James Whittaker is now at least remembered and rescued from total obscurity.
Medal Details
- 1914-15 Star: M2-019448 PTE J.WHITTAKER. A.S.C.
- British War Medal 1914-18: Copy Medal
- Victory Medal: M2-019448. PTE.J.WHITTAKER. A.S.C
- Special Constabulary Long Service Medal: JAMES WHITTAKER
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Page last updated 20 Oct 20