George Damell Pawson
- Family History
- Military History
- Extra Information
- Photographs
George David Pawson was a house painter and decorator born in Burton Coggles, Lincolnshire and married Mary Ellen Damell in 1893. George moved around North Lincolnshire, no doubt for employment purposes. Their first born was Florence born in 1894 in Grimsby, followed by three born in Cleethorpes, George Damell (named from his mother’s maiden name) in 1897, Dorothy in 1899 and Ida in 1900. Within the next year or two, the family moved to Kirton in Lindsey where in 1902, Nellie was born. Sometime after her birth, the whole family moved to Retford and by 1911 were resident at 82 Moorgate where George the elder was still earning his living as a painter. George and Mary’s only son was now 14 and was working as a grocers errand boy.
Retford Soldiers Killed Retford Times 30th Aug1918 Gunner Geo Pawson Mr Geo. Pawson, painter, of 84 Moorgate, Retford, has received information that his only son, Gunner Geo. Pawson, of the R.F.A. was killed in action on August 22nd. This brave young soldier, who was 22 years of age, had been in France 2 years and eight months. He joined up on April 24th 1915 and at the time he was employed at the International Stores. The Corpl of his battery in a letter says the gun which Gunner Pawson was bringing into action received a direct hit from the enemy and all the detachment were either killed or wounded. Pte Pawson, he adds, was one of the batteries best gunners, a gallant soldier and a good comrade. They buried him with three other comrades killed during the same action. His Loss, he says is keenly felt by all the battery who express their deepest sympathy with the family in their great loss.
He is buried in the Villers-Bretonneux Military Cemetery, France. Research by Colin Dannatt
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