Image: An excerpt from George’s military service file with details about his injury (Library & Archives Canada)
Regimental Number: 1258073
Rank: Gunner
Branch: Canadian Garrison Artillery
George was born in Wiltshire, England on August 20, 1890. While working as a clerk for a shipping firm in London, a job opening came up in an office in British Guyana. George took the job, and worked his way up to overseer on the sugar cane plantation. At the time of his enlistment in 1916, George was living in Halifax. He injured his left foot and ankle in July of 1918 while unloading ammunition; a shell rolled onto his foot. After the war, George decided to immigrate to Canada. He settled in the Falher area and filed on the following homesteads: SE 3-76-21-W5, SW 2-76-21-W5, NE 35-75-21-W5, SW 34-75-21-W5, NE 34-75-21-W5. George died on May 1, 1955 and was buried in the McLennan Cemetery.
Sources: Guy p. 578; homestead records
Soldier Spotlight highlights veterans from the Archives’ online Soldiers’ Memorial. Each week, our volunteers select a remarkable individual to showcase in this blog series. The Soldiers’ Memorial commemorates more than 1,100 WWI veterans and 2,300 WWII veterans from our region. Three dedicated volunteers have contributed over 1,200 hours to this project by researching and writing biographies. Our goal is to have all South Peace soldiers acknowledged for their service. If you know of someone who lived in the South Peace and should be listed on the Memorial, or would like to get involved by researching a local veteran, please contact the Archives.