South Warwickshire Family History Society War Memorial Transcription ProjectThe Fallen Men of South Warwickshire - World War One |
1s |
Military History |
Theatre of War | Medals | Commonwealth War Grave or Memorial |
---|---|---|
France and Flanders | 1914-15 Star, British War & Victory Medals | Thiepval Memorial |
Arrived in Theatre | Medal Citation (if app) | SWFHS Area Memorials |
18 Jul 1915 in France | ~ | Church Lawford and Kings Newnham |
Action, Battle or Other Reason Killed | Date and Place Enlisted | Other War Memorials |
Battle of the Somme | November 1914 at Rugby | |
Place of Death | Previous Regiments or Units | |
Delville Wood | ||
Circumstances of Death
George is listed as being killed in action on 30 Jul 1916 during the Battle of the Somme at Delville Wood. The war diary for the day is transcribed below:
Trenches - 30-7-16 - Sunday:
During the night of 29th/30th a patrol went out to ascertain the amount of wire the enemy had in front of his line. The patrol returned safely and reported that the wire was well cut. Zero hour was fixed for 6.10pm and there was to be an intense bombardment for one minute at 6:09pm as a matter of fact there was heavy shelling by both sides for quite one hour before the assault which rather upset things. At one minute to zero the Coys, who were now all in the front line, crept out under the barrage, B&C making the first line A&D Coys the 2nd line. A, B and C Coys reached their objectives D Coy were stopped halfway by heavy M.G. Fire and lack of officers (casualties). Nevertheless they were led up into the line later. Meanwhile urgent messages came down to Batt HQ for reinforcements and more munitions. The H.Q Coy Was then sent out to support and the Coys began consolidating. About 20 prisoners were taken and a machine gun, the majority of the prisoners being killed by their own shell fire together with their escort on the way back. The S.W. Borderers then went up and the communication trench was dug back to our original line. The Batt got into touch with the Kings Own Regt on the right but had no one on our left as the 10th Worcesters had failed. We were in fact the only Batt in the Bde who had gained their objectives. The shelling all through was very severe. END |
Personal & Family History |
Birth Date/Place | Baptism Date/Place |
---|---|
Oct Qtr 1895 at Wolston | 5 Jan 1896 at Wolston |
Parents Names | Abode |
Harry and Clara Gurney | Church Lawford |
Schools | Colleges |
~ | |
Address History | Employment History |
1895 - Wolston | 1911 - Farm Labourer |
1901 - Village, Church Lawford | |
1911 - Village, Church Lawford | |
1914 - Village, Church Lawford |