Military History

George is listed as being killed in action on 21st September 1917. The 57th Company MGC war diary entries for the period 19th to 21st September are transcribed below.

In the Line nr Klein Zillebeke - 20 Sep 1917 – 5.40am: This Coy took part in a Machine Gun barrage under 2/Lt Rogerson and 2/Lt Russell. 4 guns went forward behind the last wave of the  first line of attack & 4 guns behind the last wave of the attack, the former under 2/Lt West to consolidate Green Lane and latter under Lt. Dunt to take up positions between Blue & Green lines.

2 guns under 2/Lt Oliver advanced under escort of 1 platoon of N Staffs Regt under 2/Lt Carver MV to cover our junction with the Division on the left. These last named troops did extraordinarily good work & the men of his unit are spoken of in very high esteem by 2/Lt Carver MC especially Sgt Wright, L/Cpl Riddoch & Pte Gomersall DCM.

This battle lasted until 8am and the rest of the day was comparatively quiet on our front. All enemy weapons became more active during the night but at long range.

In the Line nr Klein Zillebeke - 21 Sep 1917: Activity of all sorts considerable, nothing extraordinary happened on our part.

In the Line nr Klein Zillebeke - 22 Sep 1917: There were several severe H.E. barrages by the enemy during the day apparently to interfere with our communication. This Coy was relieved during the night and early morning (23^rd) by 112 Machine Gun Coy. All ranks proceeded to camp near Siege Farm at N.14.D.8.9.