2Lt Herbert Connell Whipple

Henry Connell Whipple, born on September 6th 1879, was originally from Plymouth, Devon. He was the son of Connell Whipple, a surgeon, and Harriett Whipple (née Batson). His family had a background in medicine and military service, with connections to notable figures such as Dr. William Lascelles Batson and Colonel Herbert Batson, who played a role in the Boer War.

He was educated at Hartford House Preparatory School and Rossall School, and noted as a lover of music - being a gifted pianist himself. He later joined the Devonshire Regiment as a 2nd Lieutenant. He went to South Africa during the Anglo-Boer War. His war experience included the Relief of Ladysmith, actions at Colenso and Spion Kop, operations in Natal from March to June 1900 including Laing's Nek, and engagements in the Transvaal from November 30th 1900 to May 31st 1902. For his service, he was awarded the Queen's medal with 4 clasps and the King's medal with 2 clasps. He was stationed in Nigeria from 1907 to 1912 and rose to the rank of Captain by 1911.

On 2nd July 1913, Henry Connell Whipple married Joan Uppleby Stapylton-Smith in Brentwood, and this is how he is connected to the town. He went to France with the Devonshire Regiment at the outbreak of World War I as part of the 1st Battalion. He left England as part of the BEF on 22nd of August 1914.

During the early days of the First World War, the exposure and long periods of duty without relief affected his health, and brought back African fever that he had suffered from during his deployment before the war. However, he remained cheerful and was positive while recovering in hospital. After his return to the trenches in autumn 1914 he was shot in the head on the 19th of November and died five days later without regaining consciousness.

His body was buried at Bailleul Communal Cemetery and his name is remembered on the Brentwood War Memorial and St Thomas War Memorial.