George J.'s Story.
George J. Birkenhead was born in Knutsford in 1881, the son of Peter (a boot maker) and Mary Ann Birkenhead who had resided in Princes Street, Knutsford.
George joined the army, becoming Private no. 1738 of the 1st Battalion of the Lancashire Fusiliers.
The first Battalion, in August 1914 was in Karachi. It was immediately recalled to England, and landed on the 2 January 1915 and moved to Nuneaton. They came under the direct orders of 86th Brigade, 29th Division, and on the 16 March 1915 sailed via Egypt and landed Gallipoli 25 April 1915.
George was killed in action on the 2nd May 1915.
On that fateful day:
The war diary states:
2.5.15 Gallipoli Peninsular
11 p.m.
Heavy bombardment of out trenches by the enemy artillery.
Researched and compiled by Tony Davies.