Personal Life
Sir John Smyth V.C. wrote Whistler's biography "as a study in leadership" and noted four traits in his character which were his humility, his humanity, his sense of humour and his devotion to his family. He summarised his breadth of character "Bolo Whistler was a very human man; he drank and he smoked and he loved a party and he often used very strong language. But at the same time he was a man of very high ideals and Christian principles. In these matters he set a wonderful example. Often before a battle he would ask his padres to hold a short service, perhaps in a cornfield or any other convenient place."
Whistler married Esmé Keighley, the sister of a naval officer who died as the result of the Russian campaign. The wedding took place at Eastbourne in 1926, and the reception was held at his old school St Cyprians, one of the ushers being then naval cadet Rupert Lonsdale. Whistler and his wife had two daughters.
The Duke of Norfolk who was Whistler's subordinate in the Royal Sussex Regiment, and later his superior as Lord Lieutenant of Sussex said of him "He was possibly the greatest man I ever knew".
Kwame Nkrumah wrote "General Whistler was not only a great soldier, but a great man; he was to me a most sincere friend, frank and understanding, jovial and abounding in energy".
Read more about this topic: Lashmer Whistler
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