George worked for Messrs Todhunter & Elliot's and lived at 17 Rosemount. He enlisted in the Coldstream Guards in September 1914 but he developed serious varicose veins during his initial 6 months training and was offered his discharge which he refused. He returned to the island to have them removed at Nobles before going back to his regiment. On 9 July 1916, during a bombardment of their trench a 'whizz-bang' shell burst overhead and hit him directly, killing him instantly; he was 21. Two of his comrades were wounded by the same shell. He was buried In Essex Farm Cemetery on the outskirts of Ypres in Belgium.  His Lance-Corporal, H C Hodgson, writing to his sister said, “George was one of the most popular fellows in the platoon, his cheerfulness and good humour making him a universal favourite. He often kept all our spirits up under heavy shell fire with his humour.” His sister had the words, “Peace Perfect Peace” inscribed on his headstone.

Gillian Fowler