Thank you to Lenka Cathersides for the following research.
Henry Charles White was born on 27th December 1896 in Chelsea, London to Police Inspector Arthur Herbert Samuel and Ellen Esther Susan (nee Moxham).
Henry‘s father Arthur was born on 30th October 1871 in Westbourne Grove, London to cabinet maker Thomas and Maria White, born about 1829 in Norfolk. His mother Ellen was born in the 4th quarter of 1870 in Newdigate, Surrey to labourer Charles, born about 1846 in Wiltshire and Esther Susan born about 1846 in Newdigate. Arthur and Ellen married, on 8th April 1894 at the St John the Evangelist’s Church, Kensal Green. At the time of their marriage Arthur was working as a Police Constable and lived in College Park, London. Ellen lived in Harlesden, London. Arthur joined the Metropolitan Police B Division on 5th March 1894 at New Scotland Yard.
Henry had one brother: Arthur Thomas born about 1895 in Chelsea, London.
At the time of the 1901 Census, the family lived at 151 Keppel Street, Chelsea. Arthur was working as a Police Constable and Ellen was at home looking after their sons: Arthur and Henry.
On 15th September 1908 Henry enlisted into the London County Council Hackney Downs School. At the time of his admission, the family lived in London and his father Arthur was working as a Police Sergeant. The previous school Henry attended was the Wilton Road Higher Grade School. In 1911 Henry passed the London Junior School Examination. He left the Hackney Downs School on 28th February 1913 and became a junior clerk in Insurance Company.
On 25th February 1911 Arthur was promoted to Police Inspector.
At the time of the 1911 Census, the family lived at 17 Kellet House, Kings Cross in London. Arthur was still working as a Police Inspector and Ellen was at home. The household further comprised of Arthur’s mother, the widowed Maria and his sons: grocer’s clerk Arthur and scholar Henry. Ellen stated that she had given birth to four sons. The accommodation had four rooms.
Henry enlisted in London into the 11th Battalion, the King’s Royal Rifle Corps. At the time of his enlistment he resided at Regent’s Park. He became a Lance Corporal and his regimental number was: R/18238.
Henry was killed in action on 11th August 1917 in Belgium.
He was exhumed and reburied at the Railway Dugouts Burial Ground (Transport Farm), Zillebeke in Belgium. His grave reference number is: I.L.6. His body was identified by titles and a spoon. The headstone bears the inscription: “Blessed are the Death Which Die in The Lord”.
He received the British War and Victory medals.
Henry’s father Arthur received £4, 18s and 7d on 2nd February 1918 and a further £6, 10s on 3rd December 1919 in Soldier’s Effects.
On 17th October 1921, Police Inspector Arthur resigned from the S -Hampstead Division. He was given a pension of £281, 15s and 4d per annum. He stated that he intended to reside at The Limes, Blackbrook in Holmwood, Surrey. He had dark greying hair, dark brown eyes and a fresh complexion.
Arthur died on 24th November 1934 and was buried on 28th November at St Mary’s in Holmwood. He left to his wife Ellen and his son, commercial clerk Arthur £1132 and 17s in the Probate.
| Born | Chelsea, London | |
| Son of | Arthur Herbert Samuel and Ellen Esther Susan White | |
| Regiment | 11th Battalion. The King’s Royal Rifle Corps | |
| Number | R/18238 | |
| Date of Death | 11th August 1917 | |
| Place of Death | Belgium | |
| Cause of Death | Killed in action | |
| Age | 20 | |
| Cemetery | Railway Dugouts Burial Ground (Transport Farm), Zillebeke, Belgium |
