George A's Story.
St. Mary’s R.o.H. plaque records a Fairhurst G.A. Sergt. (George Anderson) George is included on the main “Fallen” memorial.
Northwich Guardian 1916, 3rd Nov. (P5/C1); SERGEANT G. A. FAIRHURST; After fighting through the South African War and earned the Queen’s medal with bars of Johannesburg, Orange River State and Cape Colony, and the Kings Medal with clasps for South Africa 1901 and South Africa 1902, Sergeant George Anderson Fairhurst of 5 Forest Street, Weaverham, a married man with three children, was one of the first of the villagers to offer his services when the present war broke out and now after two years service at the front comes the news that he has been killed in action. Sergeant Fairhurst, who was a fine specimen of a British soldier served 12 years in the regular army and of this period three years and eight months were spent in South Africa. On leaving the Army he obtained a situation as a shift-man at Messrs Brunner Mond and Co’s works at Winnington, a position he held when he again joined the Colours. He was shot through the right forearm after being at the front some months and he returned on his 41st birthday, August 16th. His mother Mrs. H???? who lives at Fowles Place, Northwich.
OFFICERS TRIBUTE; Mrs. Fairhurst first heard of her husband’s death from the following letter received from Lieutenant K. P. Hull of the Cheshire Regiment:- “No doubt you have heard by this time of the death of your brave husband. Please accept my very deepest sympathy with you and your children in the irreplaceable loss you have sustained. It occurred last Saturday afternoon during a very stiff engagement. Your husband and I were walking along the trenches when a shell came quite near us. I was knocked down and on looking around found Sergeant Fairhurst had been hit. We attended him at once but found him quite dead. I trust it will be some consolation to you to know that he suffered no pain. I should like to tell you that Sergeant Fairhurst was a fearless and faithful soldier and was greatly respected by all the officers and men and we feel his loss more than I can express. I only trust it will help to comfort you to know that he fell bravely doing his duty to his King, his Country and to all those at home he loved. Mrs Fairhurst is a sister of Mrs Spence, jun. whose husband was killed in the early stages of the war.
(Article includes photograph of George.)
C.W.G.C. - remember a George Fairhurst at Thiepval Memorial, France. He died on Saturday, October 21st 1916, George had served with the 11th Bn., Cheshire Regiment, Service No 10320, Sergeant. No family details are recorded.
N.A.M.C. - records George Fairhurst, Cheshire Regiment No 10320 Rank Serjeant, awarded 15 Star, British and Victory medals Theatre of War France and Date of Entry 25/9/15, K. in A. 21/10/16. See medal card attached.
The B. M. & Co. “Roll of Honour” records Fairhurst, George Sergt. 11th Cheshire; Killed in Action.
Guardian Article 23rd Feb. 1917, P2/C4;
WEAVERHAM, HONOURING THE FALLEN, IMPRESSIVE MEMORIAL SERVICE. A memorial service was held on Sunday evening at the Parish Church for the men of Weaverham and Sandiway who have recently laid down there lives for their country – Francis Stuart Long, Albert Christopher, William Waterman, John and William Birtwistle, James Powell, George Fairhurst and Frederick Bell. A memorial was also made at the celebrations at (eight o’clock. The evening service began with……….
1911 Census finds George living at Preesall with Hackensall, Poulton le Fylde; George Anderson Fairhurst Head, age 34, Rock Miner, Labourer, born Garston Lancs. Sarah Wife, age 30, born Weaverham, George Son, age 6, born Preesall; John Son, age 4, born Preesall. Freebmd records a George Jameson Fairhurst born in the Garstang District 1905 & John Sidney Fairhurst born in Garstang District in 1907 and the marriage of a Sarah Jameson/George Fairhurst in Garstang in the June Q. of 1904. Lancashirebmd confirm the marriage at St. James, Preesall, Stalmine.
Research Bob Heaton