George's Story.
George was born in 1894 elder son of Thomas and Ann Appleton of 72 Cross Brow, Statham, his father was the Post Master at Statahm Post Office.Piror to enlisting into the Rifle Brigade he was employed in the Manchester office of Mr G L Welford, Solicitor. He was promoted to Sergeant in August 1915 whilst serving in Flanders.
It is ironic that he survived some terrible bombardment in the district of Flanders, coming out without a scratch, that he should meet his death during a quiet spell in the trenches!
He was killed by a German sniper on 24th August 1915 aged 21 years.
His brother Sydney also fell during the Great War, being killed in action on 28th November 1917 aged 19.
Compiled and researched by Lynn Smith