John Gee

When John Gee was first called up he served with the Sherwood Foresters with No. 22338. At some point he was transferred to the Essex Regiment. During the final "Hundred Days" of the Allied advance on the Western Front British forces pushed on against mixed opposition from the German forces until they were positioned in front of the Hindenburg Line and could begin preparations to breach it. During the fighting Lance Corporal Gee was killed in action on 24/09/1918. His body was not recovered, but his name was commemorated on the Vis en Artois Memorial

Death notice published 14th October 1918 in the Nottingham Evening Post :- “GEE. – Killed in action Sept. 24th, 1918, Cpl. John Gee, Essex Regt., aged 23 years, dearly beloved son of Clara and the late Ben Gee, late of Sherwood-street. In the bloom of life God claimed him, in the pride of his manhood days, none knew him but to love him, and spoke well of him with praise. – From his broken-hearted mother and brother Alfie. “GEE. – Killed in action Sept. 24th, 1918, Cpl. John Gee (Jack), aged 23, Essex Regt. He sleeps beside his comrades, in a hallowed grave unknown, but his nae is written in words of love in the hearts he has let at home. The supreme sacrifice. – Alfie, Annie, and fiancée Hetty. “GEE. – Killed in action Sept. 24th, Cpl. John (Jackie) Gee. A precious life laid down. – Beloved nephew of Jack Gee, and cousins Emma, Lizzie, Polly.” In memoriam published 24th September 1919 in the Nottingham Evening Post :- “GEE. – In loving memory of my dear son, Corpl. John (Jack) Gee, killed in action Sept. 24th, 1918. I miss you and mourn you, in silence unseen there's not an hour passes by but what I think of thee. – Loving mother, brother Alfie. [?] “GEE. – In proud and loving memory of my dear brother, Corpl. John (Jackie) Gee, who have his life for his country Sept. 24th, 1918. A faithful friend, a brother kind, beautiful memories left behind. – Brother Alfie. “GEE. – In loving memory of Corpl. John (Jack) Gee, Essex Regt., killed in action in France Sept. 24th, 1918, aged 23 years. This day brings back sad memories. Our loved one gone to rest, and those who think of him to-day are those who loved him best. An unknown grave is the bitterest blow, none but aching hearts can know. – Annie. “GEE. – In loving memory of Corpl. John (Jack) Gee, killed Sept. 24th, 1918. Sadly missed. – Uncle, cousins, little Stanley. “GEE. – In loving memory of Corpl. John (Jack) Gee, killed in action Sept. 24th, 1918. Ever in our thoughts. – Fiancée Hetty, Mr. and Mrs. Read, Joe (in India). “GEE. – In loving memory of my dear cousin, John (Jackie) Gee, killed in action Sept. 24th, 1918. Sweet memories like the ivy cling. – Nellie (Bogie) Fisher.” Above are courtesy of Jim Grundy and his facebook pages Small Town Great War Hucknall 1914-1918