George Henry Clarke
He was a Lace Factory Hand prior to enlisting
- Family History
- Military history
- Extra information
- Photographs
His real name was George Gimson the son of Arthur, a general labourer, and Annie Adelaide Gimson née Dobson of 198 Queen's Road Beeston Nottingham.
His father was born in 1868 at Leicester and his mother Annie Adelaide Dobson in 1867 at Nottingham. they were married on 18th July 1892 at St Ann's parish church, Nottingham they had 6 children. George’s siblings to survive infancy were Alfred b.1893, Alice b.1896, Albert b.1904 and Annie Adelaide b.1907.
In 1901 the family was living at 15 High Road Chilwell
In the 1911 census the family were living at at 13 Regent Street Beeston, Arthur Gimson 43 yrs is a general labourer he is living with his wife Annie 44 yrs and their children, Alfred 18 yrs a soldier Royal Horse Artillery, Alice 15 yrs a swiss embroider, George 12 yrs a scholar, Albert 7 yrs and Annie 4 yrs of age.
George enlisted at Nottingham 27th August 1914, giving his real name George Arthur Gimson. He signed on for 6 years in the Special Reserve and was posted to 4th Battalion Sherwood Foresters. He gave his age as 17 years 233 days (he was actually 15). he was a factory hand (lace) He was absent from parade on a number of occasions and disobedient to orders on others. On 23rd February 1915 he was discharged from the army as ‘not likely to become an efficient soldier’ contrary to King’s Regulations 392 (III) (CC) on 23rd February 1915.
He then re-enlisted as George Henry Clarke. Still under age, he was posted to the 10th Battalion Sherwood Foresters. After training he was posted to Sunderland where he remained until being sent to the Dardanelles. Evacuated initially to Egypt with 9th Battalion Sherwood Foresters, he was transferred to France with 10th Battalion. He was killed in action at Deville Wood. He is buried at Delville Wood Cemetery, Longueval, France. Plot 31. Row M. Grave 8.
additional research and information Peter Gillings
Photo of George Henry Clarke
Gimson George Arthur photo courtesy of the Sherwood Foresters Regiment roll of honour website.
Photo of George Henry Clarke
clarke_george_henry_gravev at DELVILLE Wood Cemetery, Longueval, France courtesy of the Sherwood Foresters Regiment roll of honour website.