On our guided cemetery walks I frequently speak about the wartime work of Swindon’s women, in particular Elsie Wootten White, a Swindon school teacher who was a member of the Swindon Prisoners of War Committee during the First World War. However, this was only part of the White family’s war story.

Edwin Gordon White was born in Swindon in 1892 and baptised at St. Mark’s Church on March 12. He was the son of Frank James, a machineman in the Works, and Susan White and with his parents and sister Elsie lived at 29 Guppy Street, Rodbourne.

By the time of the 1911 census Susan was widowed and living with Elsie and Edwin at 61 Graham Street, the last home Edwin would know. Aged 19 Edwin worked as Laboratory Assistant and part time student in Swindon’s secondary school.

Unfortunately Edwin’s military records do not survive, but we do know that he was awarded the Military Cross, a medal granted in recognition of an act or acts of exemplary gallantry during active operations against the enemy on land.

The citation was published in the Wiltshire Times on Saturday October 5, 1918 – five months after his death.

Conspicuous Gallantry

Wiltshire Officers Decorated

The King has been pleased to approve the Military Cross to the undermentioned in recognition of their gallantry and devotion to duty in the field:-

T./Lt. (A./Capt.) Edwin Gordon White Wilts Regt.

For conspicuous gallantry and devotion to duty during a raid. Though badly wounded, he continued to direct operations as long as possible, thus greatly adding to the spirit and moral of his platoon. His personal reconnaissance work, carried out for five days before the raid with the greatest keenness and untiring energy, greatly added to the success of the operation.

The Wiltshire Times, Saturday, October 5, 1918.

Edwin died of wounds on May 7, 1918. He was 26 years old and is buried at Montecchio Precalcino Communal Cemetery Extension in Italy. The inscription on his headstone reads:

Only son of Mrs S. White

Ever in the thoughts of those who loved him RIP

He is also remembered on his mother and sister’s headstone in Radnor Street Cemetery.