Whitcutt, Frederick Charles

Fred Whitcutt was born on June 25, 1880 in Pelsall, England to parents James and Sarah Whitcutt. Following the death of his father, his mother was remarried to his stepfather, Job Caswell. He was raised in England with his siblings and stepsiblings William, Ada, Kate, Maude, Walter, Alfred and Ernest. The Caswell family immigrated to Canada, and settled near Bow Island, Alberta. Fred farmed a quarter section of land and raised livestock in the Taber district. On November 19, 1914, Fred Whitcutt enlisted with the 31st Battalion CEF. Pte Whitcutt arrived in England in June 1915, and remained in England until embarking for France on September 18, 1915. The 31st Battalion proceeded to Belgium, and he would serve with them on the frontlines for just under two months. On November 15, 1915, Pte Whitcutt was one of three men on guard duty near Ypres, when a shell dropped at their feet killing all instantly. He was laid to rest at Kemmel Chateau Military Cemetery. Fred Whitcutt was awarded the 1914/15 Star, British War Medal and Victory Medal. His mother, Sarah received the Memorial Cross and death plaque in honour of her son