Military History

George died of his wounds at the 94th Field Ambulance on 1 Nov 1918. Originally buried in Harlebeke [Harelbeke in Trenchmapper] Churchyard before his remains were exhumed and reburied in the newly created Harlebeke Military Cemetery.

We have not been able to find day that George was wounded although we have confirmed that the 1st/1st Hereforeshire Regiment were in the area of Harlebeke when he was wounded. The 1st Bn Shropshire Light Infantry were near Preseau in France at that time.

The battalion were part of 102nd Brigade; 34th Division and their war diary for the period 25th Oct to 1st Nov 1918 is transcribed below.

Front Line [North East of Messines] 25 Oct: In accordance with instructions the Battalion formed up in depth about O.28.b.4.8, west of canal. When barrage fell, companies closed up. As soon as 1/4th Cheshires on east bank of canal, and facing south east cleared the crossing about 0917 - A Coy went across by platoons to east bank and changing direction south east followed the reserve company of the Cheshires. The 3 remaining companies followed in succession, the rear company being clear of the canal crossing at 1015. Detail of companies was A & B in support of and in close touch with 1/4th Cheshires; C Coy in rear of B, detailed to follow and mop up village of Moen. D Coy to follow slowly in rear of C Coy and mop up area up to Moen. There was no opposition to canal crossing; barbed wire in course of erection but not complete.

10.20:  Enemy shelled crossing with 4.2s; by this time the whole Battalion was moving south easterly with right flank on the canal. On reaching the road crossing the railway at O.29.c.6.7 the reserve company 1/4th Cheshires were held up by machine gun fire from left flank. A Coy brought a Lewis gun to fire on position with desired effect and the advance was resumed.

The advance was again held up by machine gun fire about O.29.d.2.6; this was again effectively dealt with by Lewis guns, and advance continued; Moen was under smoke barrage and enemy shell fire. One company Cheshires were held up at the house O.35.a.1.9; 2 platoons of B Coy went to assist and the house was captured with about 30 prisoners and 1 machine gun.

1100 - C Coy proceeded to clear village of Moen, enemy having 2 machine guns on eastern side of village. These were dealt with and village reported clear at 1258.

1400 - Advance continued.

1510 – Battalion was ordered to advance down east brigade boundary.

1640 – Touch obtained with 41st Div on left, brigade having reached its objective, Battalion proceeded to dig in as support about V7A & B and V1C.
Enemy shelled area continually throughout the night.

Front Lines Near Moen 26 Oct: Battalion remained in position.

2230 – Battalion relieved and proceeded to T6A arriving at 0330.

Front Lines Near Mesen 27 Oct
0900 – Battalion marched brigaded to St Anne; men in houses and farms. Lt Col I N Meldon proceeded to command 1st Royal Dublin Fusiliers; Lt Col E N Evans MC RWF arrived and assumed command of Battalion.

28 Oct: Battalion marched brigaded to B.23.d.6.7 and men billeted in farms.

29 Oct: Battalion marched brigaded to Harlebeke and occupied huts, east of town.

30 Oct: Administrative work and company training.

31 Oct: As per 30th. BGC inspected first line transport.

1 Nov: Company training – Lewis Gun, musketry and specialist.