George Brierley was born in Oldham, to Mr. and Mrs. James Brierley, around 1888.

George married Eliza Ann Smith, between Apr-Jun 1915, at St. Mary’s Church, Oldham, marriage certificate reference CE235/31/184.

George enlisted in Oldham.

He entered the Western Europe front on 9th November 1915.

Killed in action on 7th February 1916.

George is buried in Point 110 New Military Cemetery, Fricourt, grave reference B.19

Oldham Chronicle, Tuesday 15th February 1916, states:

PRIVATE GEORGE BRIERLEY

Mrs. Brierley, of 27, Fisher-street, Oldham, received word this (Tuesday) morning that her husband Private George Brierley, who was a member of the Oldham Comrades’ Battalion had been killed. The Rev. Hugh McCalman, chaplain of the 22nd Infantry Brigade, in a letter to Mrs. Brierley dated the 10th inst. says:-

Dear Mrs. Brierley,- I am sorry to have to tell you that I buried your husband 25097 Pte. G. Brierley last night. He was killed at once through a shell bursting on his dug-out and causing it to collapse. It is hard for us out here to lose him, and so we know what his loss means to you, God bless and comfort you,- Yours sincerely,

HUGH McCALMAN

Chaplain, 22nd Infantry Brigade.

Private Brierley, who enlisted on July 17th last, had been a bath attendant at Robin Hill Baths for six months. He enlisted on his half-holiday without informing anyone of his intention and he was sent out with the battalion without having leave. Before going to the baths he was a minder at the Summervale Mill. He was only married last Easter and was 26 years of age.

Oldham Chronicle, 16th February 1916, states:

PRIVATE GEORGE BRIERLEY, 24th Battalion (Oldham Comrades) Manchester Regiment, killed by a shell in France on February 8th, aged 28 years. Home address: 27 Fisher-street, Oldham, with the above picture.

Oldham Chronicle, 18th February 1916, states:

Oldham Comrades

THE SHELL IN THE DUG OUT

A Royton soldier at present serving in France with B Company, 24th Manchester Regiment, (Oldham Comrades) has written home to his parents at Royton under date February 13th. He says:-

“I have found time at last to write. We have been in the trenches for eight days, and a very busy time we have had. Our company has lost a number of men. One officer has been killed and one wounded, and also our company sergeant-major. One of the men killed is Willie Schofield. There was a platoon in a dug-out, and the dug-out was blown in by the bursting of a shell. At present we know of eleven being killed and nine wounded. I helped to carry them out. Arthur Stott is wounded.”

Oldham Chronicle, 28th February 1916, states:

Oldham Comrades Battalion

OFFICIAL CASUALTY LIST

SIXTEEN KILLED, TEN WOUNDED

George is also recorded on the Oldham War Memorial.

Jonathan Cook