Death Of A Promising Shield Row Young Man
Report of funeral of Roland Valentine Whisker
Mr. Roland Valentine Whisker
Death Of A Promising Shield Row Young Man
The death took place on Thursday, at the residence of his step-father and mother , Mr. and Mrs. James Dawson, Tyne-Road, Stanley, of Mr. Roland Valentine Whisker, a son of the late Mr. John Whisker, of Shield Row.
Deceased was 24 years of age, and when a boy, was identified with the St Andrew’s Stanley, branch of the Church Lad’s Brigade. He enlisted in the 8th Batt. D.L.I., and went abroad in the early months of 1915, and with the 50th Division saw, much hard fighting on the Western Front.
Whilst fighting on the Somme in July 1916, soon after the commencement of the British Assault on the enemy positions, he was gassed, and was later blown up, and later suffered from shell shock. He was discharged from the Army towards the end of 1917, and had not since been able to follow his employment regularly. During the present year he only worked five days.
A brilliant athlete, he played much Army football, and during the season 1919-20 and in the early months of last season, noted as goal keeper for Twizell United, displaying much brilliance in that position. Deceased’s mother survives with four sons, all of whom served in the Army, John Robert, Samuel, Norman, and John Carr; with deceased’s step-father, and three daughters, the Misses Margaret, Bessie and Catherine Dawson.
The Funeral
Amid an impressive scene of sorrow and affection the mortal remains were laid to rest on Sunday, in the old churchyard at St. Andrews, Stanley, close to where his father lies buried. The service was choral, the choir being in attendance, and singing the Psalm, whilst choristers and congregation united in the singing of hymns, “Safe in the Arms of Jesus,” and “How Bright Those Glorious Spirits Shine.”
The cortege, which extended over half the length of Front. St., was headed by the members of the Joint West Pelton and West Pelton Salvation Band, playing the “Dead March,” and followed immediately by representatives and players of Twizell United A.F.C., carrying a handsome globe as a tribute to their well-loved comrade. Then came the members of the St. Andrew’s Church Lad’s Brigade, of which body deceased was a member for some years. They were under the command of Capt. Ingram, and dragged a gun-carriage upon which rested the coffin containing the remains. The coffin was enveloped in the Union Jack, and covered with sweet smelling flowers, tributes to the soldier lad whose life had been sacrificed in his country’s cause. The brothers and fiancée, with other relatives, followed, and then came an immense concourse of the general public…The committal sentences were given by the Vicar, the “Last Post” sounded, and the mourners drifted away, sorrowful and tearful, remembering that they would see no more the smiling face of this brave young Englishman and clear and keen athlete.
Date: 7-Jul-1921
Author: Stanley Times
Reference: D/WP 4/48 Microfilm Reference M61/48
Where to find this: Durham County Records Office
Contributed by Fiona Johnson - Durham
