South Warwickshire Family History Society War Memorial Transcription Project
The Fallen Men of South Warwickshire - World War One |
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Military History |
| Theatre of War | Medals | Commonwealth War Grave or Memorial |
|---|---|---|
| France & Flanders | 1914 Star & Clasp, British War & Victory Medals | Ypres (Menin Gate) Memorial |
| Arrived in Theatre | Medal Citation (if app) | SWFHS Area Memorials |
| 4 Oct 1914 in Zeebrugge | ~ | Knowle Soldiers Chapel |
| Knowle War Memorial | ||
| Action, Battle or Other Reason Killed | Date and Place Enlisted | |
| First Battle of Ypres | Btwn Feb and Aug 1901 in Birmingham | Other War Memorials |
| Place of Death | Previous Regiments or Units | |
| near Zonnebeke | ~ | |
Military Service
From his service number, 7775, we know that George enlisted at sometime between Feb 1901 and Aug 1901 when service #'s 7683 & 7917 were issued
Circumstances of Death
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George is listed by the CWGC as being presumed to have died on 21 Oct 1914 (see below). He was listed as missing in action and his death on the 21st was not confirmed until over 7 months later on 15 May 1915. The 2nd Battalion war diary for the period 18th to 23rd October is transcribed below. Zonnebeek 18th Oct 1914: Moved at 5am to wood in Veldhoek and at 5pm marched to Becclare where Battalion billetted for the night. Becclare, 19th Oct 1914: Marched off at 5am towards Menin . Attacked enemy at Dadizeele. Went through last named but had to retire owing to German Division coming up from direction of Rouvers. Retired to Zonnebeke. Zonnebeke 20th Oct 1914: Prepared for battle in Zonnebeke District by entrenching. Zonnebeke 21st Oct 1914: Enemy attacked our trenches at daybreak 1st day of the Battle of Zonnebeke (Ypres). 1st experience of German high explosive shell (Black Marias'). A great many casualties. Retired at 1.0am to Railway Crossing SW of Zonnebeke. Zonnebeke 22nd Oct 1914: Entrenched S of Railway Crossing. Remained all day. Slight shelling, left trenches after dark. Zonnebeke 23rd Oct 1914: 3rd Day of Battle of Zonnebeke, march out at 5.30am towards Zonnebeke but received order to retire to our trenches where we remained in reserve for the day. |
| Personal & Family History |
| Birth Date/Place | Baptism Date/Place |
|---|---|
| 23 Jan 1885 at 6 Waverley Avenue, Birmingham | |
| Parents Names | Abode |
| Son of the late Frederick and Sarah Ann Heath | Both deceased |
| Schools | Colleges |
| ~ | |
| Address History | Employment History |
| 1885 - 6 Waverley Avenue, Icknield Street, Birmingham | 1900 - Cabinet Maker aged 15 |
| 1891 - Lee Bank Road, Edbaston (with Uncle & Aunt) | 1900 - Boy Soldier (served only 3 months) |
| 1900/1 - 5 Warren Ave Moseley (with Grandmother) | 1901 - Cabinet Maker |
| 1901 - British Army | 1901 - Soldier in Royal Warwickshire Regiment |
| 1911 - British Army in India | 1911 - Soldier in Royal Warwickshire Regiment |
| 1914 - British Army in India and then France | 1914 - Soldier in Royal Warwickshire Regiment |
- Frederick's mother, Sarah died of heart disease on 27th February 1895 at home - 6 Waverley Avenue
- Next of Kin in Pension records was foster parent Mrs. E.H. Stratton of Copt Heath, Knowle & then paternal aunt Mrs Jane Eliza Washington of
14 Long Street, Sparkhill - Next of kin in Register of Effects was Jane Eliza Washington Stratton (nee Heath)
- In 1911 Jane was the housekeeper for George M Stratton in Kings Norton
- In 1921 Frederick's aunt Jane was boarding with George Mattias Stratton at Copt Heath, Solihull (the link to Knowle)
- We are unable to find any evidence to suggest why Frederick used the last name of Brown for his military service.
