George Pearce, or to be precise, Urian George Pearce, was the second child, and eldest son of Mr Urian Pearce and his wife, Ann. He was born in 1882, at The Sutherland Arms, Muxton, in Shropshire. The Sutherland Arms was a Coaching Inn which had been run by his great grandfather, his grandfather and his father, since the early 1800s. They also farmed 75 acres adjacent to the property. It seems likely that George was therefore destined to either run the pub, or work on the farm. Fate had a different idea. He had joined the Kings Shropshire Light Infantry at Newport in Shropshire, and in June 1918, he became part of 10th Battalion, and was sent to France.. On 18 August 1918, 10th Battalion was near Merville, and were ordered to advance, at short notice, and they were urged to take risks. They should have been flanked by other units, but poor communications meant that they were unaware that no one else had followed them. The battalion advanced through a field of tall corn, not knowing that the Germans were quietly waiting for them, and as they emerged on the other side of the field, they were met with heavy gun fire, followed by hand to hand combat. Three officers and 171 men were killed, as well as 55 other ranks. Several more men died of their wounds in the days that followed. One of the men who died was my great uncle George. He left behind a widow, Elizabeth, and two young sons. He was 35 years old. I am immensely proud of my great uncle George. He died in horrific circumstances, and you can't help but think that it was a case of "Lions lead by Donkeys". As long as I am alive, I will remember his sacrifice, with pride, and with sadness. I shall wear a poppy each year, and recall his bravery, and that of the men who died with him. Rest in Peace, Uncle George.

Wendy Charnley