| Notes: | MMP. Awarded the 1914 Star, Victory and War Medals. First served abroad (1) France, 9/8/1914 to 22/12/1914, address: Mychett Hutments, Ash Vale, Aldershot Formerly 4 Dragoon Guards. Enlisted at Fort William, Inverness 17/7/1891 aged 18 years, occupation carpenter. Previously served in the 1 VB Cameron Highlanders. Joined the 9 Lancers in Dundalk, No. 3295. Transferred to MMP 11/9/1895. Served Home 8/2/1891 to 14/10/1899, South Africa 15/10/1899 to 26/10/1900, Home 27/10/1900 to 9/9/1909. Egypt 10/9/1909 to 13/1/1912, Home 14/1/1912 to 26/12/1914 to discharge. Sergeant Major Class I. 26/12/1914 discharged to become a Yeoman Warder at the Tower of London, home address: 15 The Casemates, Tower of London.
Info from Pension Index Card:- Whyte, Angus, MMP, No.,SFJ.34.
Angus Whyte
He has the same No. as Sgt. F Srodzinsky MFP.
Extract from the Oban Times 28 March 1931. YEOMAN OF THE TOWER OF LONDON. Yeoman Warder Angus Whyte.
It is a far cry to the tower of London, but the portrait above will be interesting to our readers. First, because it is that of a true Highlander, secondly, because it shows probably the most ancient style of dress still worn without variation.
The Yeoman Warders of the Tower must not be confused with the Yeoman of the Guard, who are often called "Beefeaters." not because favour of that diet, but for the reason, but the reason that the original Norman familiar appellation "Buffetars." lent itself in that sound to that corruption. The Yeoman Warders of the Tower are extraordinary members of His Majesty's Yeoman of the Guard and hold precedence by standing on the right of the Sovereign on certain State occasions. The Yeoman Warders number forty and are drawn from time expired warrant and non-commissioned officers of the Army, whose service and character are above reproach. The Yeoman live within the Tower and their modern duties consist of guarding he Regalia and guiding visitors through the historic buildings.
A FORMER STRANGE CUSTOM.
In former times they were the Warders of the State prisoners confined in the Tower and accompanied them to Westminster Hall for trial. On these occasions the Yeoman Gaoler or Chief Warder marched on the side of the prisoner with the axe on his shoulder, blade downwards. On the return to the Tower, if the axe was born on shoulder with the blade towards the unhappy victim. Then the populace would know the fate of the prisoner.
His Military Service.
Yeoman Warder Angus Whyte enlisted in the 9th Lancers at Inverness in 1891 at the age of 17. He served in that Regiment until 1895, when he transferred to the Mounted Military Police as corporal. On the outbreak of the South African War he was selected for duty with the Headquarters Staff of General Sir Redvers Buller and took part in all the actions in the Natal district and the Transvaal. He was awarded the South African Medal, with clasps for Cape Colony,m Tugela Heights, Relief of Ladysmith and the Medal for long service and good conduct.
In 1909 he was in charge o0f the Military Mounted Police in Alexandria and later Cairo on promotion to Squadron Sergeant Major. On the outbreak of the Grea5t War he went with the Expeditionary Force and took part in the memorable and gallant stand of the regular British Army. He served until 1915 and was then appointed Yeoman Warder of the Tower. During the latter years of the War the Tower became a prison house for the German spies captured and the Yeoman had to resort to their original occupation and Yeoman Warder Whyte, from his experience in the Military Police both at home and abroad was considered specially suitable for the sudden and exciting duties involved.
Of a Well Known Highland Family.
It is his relations to the Highlands which makes Angus Whyte's career interesting. He was born in Fort William an still retains his Gaelic. His father was Mr. Shyte, contractor, who has claim to have constructed the highest building in Britain, namely the Metrological Stations on the top of Ben Nevis. An uncle was the famous Gaelic scholar, Henry Whyte, who, as "Fiost" was the valued Glasgow correspondent of the Oban Times and contributed song and story to its columns for many years. Another uncle was John Whyte of the Inverness Library. Warder Angus is not wanting in the literary gifts of the family. He has a comprehensive and accurate knowledge of history, with powers of description far above the average and cause him to be sought by those who desire a more than ordinary guide book description of that grim fortress, to which a reference finds its way into every chapter of English history. it is pleasing that his sons have attained valuable positions in military and civil life. One is a Flight Lieutenant in the Air Force, another is a Stockbroker and another a Shipbuilding draughtsman. His sole brother, the Rev. N MacKenzie Whyte is minister at Strathtay.
The only other Scotsman among the Warder yeoman is K. MacRae, also an Inverness shire man.
The article has a bull picture of Mr Whyte in the Beefeaters full dress uniform .
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