| Whatman | Amherst Blunt | | Captain | WHATMAN, AMHERST BLUNT, Captain, was born 8 January 1867. He was gazetted to the Somerset Light Infantry 4 May 1887, and became Lieutenant 4 January 1890. In 1897-98 he was present at operations on the North-West Frontier of India, with the Mohmand Field Force and the Peshawar Column, Tirah Expeditionary Force (Medal and two clasps). He was promoted to Captain 9 April 1898; and from 1899 to 1901 he served in the South African War, on the Staff, as Brigade Signalling Officer, 11 September 1900 to 11 June 1901, and was present at the operations in Natal, 1899; at the Relief of Ladysmith, including the operations of 17 to 24 January 1900, and action at Spion Kop; operations of 5 to 7 February 1900, and action at Vaal Kranz; operations on Tugela Heights, 14 to 27 February 1900; operations in the Orange Free State, April to May 1900; operations in the Transvaal in June 1900; operations in Natal, March to April 1900; operations in the Transvaal, west of Pretoria, July to 29 November 1900; operations in the Transvaal, 30 November 1900 to May 1901; operations in Orange River Colony, June to July 1901. He was mentioned in Despatches [London Gazette, 10 September 1901]; received the Queen's Medal with five clasps, and was created a Companion of the Distinguished Service Order [London Gazette, 27 September 1901]: "Amherst Blunt Whatman, Captain, Somerset Light Infantry. In recognition of services during the operations in South Africa". The Insignia, Warrant and Statutes were sent to the Commander-in-Chief, South Africa, and the Insignia presented by the Lieutenant General Commanding the Forces, Punjab. Captain Whatman was Inspector of Army Signalling, India, 1 April 1904 to 31 March 1908. He again saw active service on the North-West Frontier of India in 1908, as Chief Signalling Officer, taking part in operations in the Zakka Khel country. He was mentioned in Despatches [London Gazette, 22 May 1908], and was given the Brevet of Major 16 July 1908. He was promoted to Major, and retired in 1910 from the Somerset Light Infantry. Major Whatman married Myrtle Elen, daughter of Colonel H J Waller Barrow, and thev had one son. Major Whatman died 23 October 1913.
Source: DSO recipients (VC and DSO Book) | (Prince Albert's) Somerset Light Infantry |
