George Taft
George Taft worked as a lace warehouseman.
- Family History
- Military history
- Extra information
- Photographs
George Taft was born in 1896 at Plumtree, he was the son of John a lace warehouse man and Ada Louisa Taft née Humberstone, of 27 Beaumont Streeet, Sneinton., Nottingham
His father: John Taft, born in 1868 in Nottingham and working as a lace warehouseman, his mother: Ada Louisa Humberstone was born in 1867 at Leicester. Brothers: John H., born in 1891 and Arthur, born in 1893 and working as a lace warehouseman. Sisters: Eva, born in 1895 and Mabel, born in March 1901. All the children were born in Nottingham apart from George.
In the 1911 census the family lived at 18 Thurgarton Street, Sneinton, John 42 yrs a lace warehouseman, he is living with his wife Ada Louisa 43 yrs and their children, Arthur 18 yrs a lace warehouse man, Eva 16 yrs working from home, George 15 yrs a lace warehouse man and Mable 10 yrs of age.
Taft was called up for service at Nottingham and following training he was drafted to France.
On 21st March 1918 the Germans launched their spring offensive Operation Michael. There was heavy shelling of the battalion's position in the sunken road between Ecoust and Noreuil. Gas shells fell across the rear areas. The German infantry attacked and there was severe hand-to-hand fighting. By 10.00 a.m. the Germans had broken through on both flanks and soon after the rear was cut off. The last message was received at noon and soon after the battalion ceased to exist. There were 655 casualties, including Taft who was killed in action. His body was never recovered, but his name was commemorated on the Arras Memorial.
additional research and information Peter Gillings
Photo of George Taft
Arras Memorial courtesy of the cwgc