Born in 1897 at Camden Town, son of George Walter (Corn & Seeds Man) and Miriam Landymore. 1901: With his family at 255 Southwark Park Road, Southwark. In 1909 his mother died, and his father remarried later in the year. 1911: He was out of work, but living with his father, step mother Eliza and family at 285 High Street, North Manor Park. He was living in South Woodford when he enlisted in London. The 1918 Electoral Roll gives his address as 4 Station Villas, Pulteney Road, South Woodford.
He served with the London Rifle Brigade apart from a few months, 11th April 1918 to 19th June 1918, when he was attached to 721 Labour Company.
On 27th August 1918 the Battalion was in Burg Support Trenches about 500 yards east north east of Croisilles. At 12.30 on 28th August 1918 they supported the Stepney Rifles in an attack on the eastern side of Bullecourt. Unfortunately “C” and “D” companies became disorientated and regrouped near Hendecourt. This put them at the front of the attack rather than in support as envisaged, and they were surrounded by German machine guns. “B” Company tried to relieve them by outflanking the machine guns but began taking casualties and was forced to dig in.
At 19.30 13 London created a diversion which allowed “B” company to advance and not only relieve the two stranded companies, but reach and overwhelm the German positions. They came back with their comrades, 10 machine guns, two mortars and ten Prisoners of War. The Battalion was then withdrawn from the front line to rest and regroup.
Most likely it was during this action that he sustained wounds from which he would die a short while after.
Research by Adrian Lee, Local Historian
Sources:
Ancestry.com