Born Stocksbridge, Yorkshire, England, 1882. Son of Henry Withers (1856-1935) and Elizabeth Jackson (1857-1910). He had five sisters and seven brothers.
Married at Cahir, Tipperary, Ireland, on 12th May 1907. Husband of Teressa Hunt (1878-1936), at 2, Spring Grove, Anlaby Road, Hull (War Pension address). They had three children.
A Professional Solder. Described as 5 foot, 8.5 inches tall, 118 lbs weight, 34-36 inch chest, blue eyes, brown hair, Roman Catholic religion, Character “EXEMPLARY”.
Enlisted at Sheffield, on 6th June 1900, aged 18. Promoted through the ranks. Posted to France on 20 April 1915. Served as Regimental Sergeant Major in the 50th Division Ammunition Column, Royal Field Artillery, in France, Mesopotania and India. Mentioned in Despatches twice. Awarded the Distinguished Conduct Medal and Meritorious Service Medal. Discharged with disability, on 16 Mar 1920, after 19 years, 285 days service. Died of Tuberculosis, on 11/01/1921, aged 39.
DCM Citation (London Gazette 30/10/1918) – “For conspicuous Gallantry and devotion to duty during an enemy attack. Whilst he was working in the Headquarter wagons, a shell exploded on the wagon park, wounding some men and animals and causing a stampede. At considerable risk, he stopped two of the teams and eventually got his wagons away without further casualties. He behaved throughout with great coolness.”
His brother, Lance Corporal, James Herbert Withers, 32963, 6th KOYLI was killed on 25 Apr 1918, aged 26 and is buried at Longueau British Cemetery, France. Another brother, Driver, Joseph Adin Withers, T4/127782, Army Service Corps, died in France, on 20 Jan 1920, aged 26.
