George's Story.
George was born in Stockport, Cheshire in 1890. He lived with his father George, a hatter, and his mother Sarah Elizabeth at 36 Angel Street. He had 6 brothers, William, Fred, Frank, Edward, Albert & Henry, and 2 sisters, Doris & Alice. By 1911 they were living at 10 Chandler Street, Stockport where George was now a cotton mill doffer. He married Florence Tickle in 1912 and they lived at 25 Manchester Road, Stockport.
George enlisted in Stockport, originally into the Monmouthshire Regiment as private 4003. He went overseas with the Regiment, possibly serving with the 1/3rd Battalion which was disbanded in France in August 1916. A transfer to the Fusiliers at this time would fit with his new service number. In preparation for a larger scale attack, the 13th Battalion was ordered to attack and seize two German positions near the village of La Boiselle - scene of fierce fighting in the 1916 during the Battle of the Somme. The Germans had regained the ground in March of 1918, when their spring offensive pushed the British back many miles. Covered by an artillery bombardment, the attack started at 4.55am, pushing through the German lines to a depth of 1800 yards. The Regimental History records "It was not child's play, although all the objectives were taken by 9.45am". 21 men were known to have been killed. Another 19 were missing and 117 were wounded.
He was killed in action on the 23rd August 1918.
Researcher: Darryl Porrino
