21288 Pte 7th Battalion Gloucestershire Regiment
Victor Pitman was born in October 1897. He was the son of Tom and Elizabeth Jane Mathrick Pitman. In 1901, aged 3, the census had Victor listed as staying with his aunt and uncle Nelly and Harry Riseam in Cottingham, Yorkshire. In 1911, aged 13 Victor was with his parents and six siblings in 17 Blacklands Street, Bridgwater. He was working as an errand boy. His father was working as the Corporation Weighman.
When the war came he enlisted in Taunton and served in the Gloucestershire Regiment. On 9 June 1915 the Bridgwater Mercury reported 'FOUR SONS IN THE ARMY: T Pitman has 4 sons serving: Hedley Pitman, RAMC, Sidney Pitman, 5th Somersets, Jack Pitman, Wessex Field Ambulance and Victor Pitman, Gloucestershire Regiment .
He was killed in action on 6 December 1915. He was 18 years old. On 12 January 1916 the Mercury reported 'Pte Victor Pitman, 18, British Mediterranean Expeditionary Force, Gloucestershire Regt, killed in Dardanelles, 6 Dec. News received on Friday by father Mr Tom Pitman, 17 Blacklands, Bridgwater. 3 brothers on active service in Army.' The article also had a photograph of Victor.
He is buried in the Azmak Cemetery, Suvla, plot II.E.3. His name was later added to the family memorial in the Wembdon Road Cemetery (memorial number 1039), the inscription reads: In Loving Memory of Myra Irene Pitman died May 17th 1941 aged 27. In Jesus keepi ng. Also their father Tom Pitman died August 18th 1937 aged 74. Also his beloved wife Elizabeth Jane Pitman died March 31st 1961 aged 91. Also Victor killed at Gallopoli December 6th 1915 aged 18. Also Jack called home November 30th 1923 aged 27.
