Staff Sergeant Arthur Whittall (200721) centre front
Staff Sergeant Arthur Whittall (born 1/3/1881) was a member of the local Volunteers (the first V.B. The Worcs Regiment) prior to the First World War. In August 1914 he was called up for service and posted to the 7th Worcestershire Regiment. He became a staff sergeant instructor at Tidworth (where it is assume the above photo was taken). He went to France in 1915 and was severely wounded at Ploeg Steers, Ypres,. He had 17 wounds, including the loss of a leg and a hand. His life hung by a thread for months and he was eventually discharged from hospital after 3 years. He went on to become a local Labour Councillor in Kidderminster, fighting on behalf of those in the workhouse and for better care for ex soldiers and improved housing conditions.
(photo submitted by Mrs M. Ballinger his granddaughter)