George William Cullen
- Family History
- Military History
- Extra Information
- Photographs
Husband of Ada Cullen, of 60, Westwood Rd., Sneinton Dale, Nottingham (CWGC). George was the son of Walter and Florence Cullen. According to the 1881 census, Walter (45) was a Royal Navy pensioner; he and Florence and two daughters (Amelia and Florence) were living in the parish of Nottingham St Mary where Florence was a shopkeeper. By the time of the 1891 census Walter was a coal dealer and he and Florence were living at 19 Bernard Street, Carrington, with their six children; Amelia (17), Florence (13), Emily (9), Walter (6), Lucy (3) and George William (2 months, b. 1891). Walter senior died on 31 March 1892. In 1901 Florence (52) was living at 162 Waterway Street with three of her children; Walter (16, warehouseman), Florence (13, lace warehouse) and George (10). In 1911 she and George (20, lift attendant and office cleaner) are at 29 Lammas Street, Daybrook, together with Florence's niece, Elsie (10). George married Ada (nee Spray) at St Saviour's church, Meadows, on 15 April 1915; their son, Douglas George, was born on 7 July 1918. George and Ada together with his mother lived at 25A Kirkewhite Street. When George enlisted in December 1915 he gave his next of kin as his mother, Florence, of 25A Kirkewhite Street, Meadows, and his brother, Walter, of 77 Wellington Street, Heanor. Ada was still living at Kirkewhite Street when she was notified of George's death in November 1918, but by early the following year she and her son were living at 60 Westwood Road, Sneinton. She was still at this address when George's war medals were sent to her in September 1921 (receipt dated 12 September).
Army Service Record survives. He served with the 15th Siege Bty. George attested in December 1915 at the age of 24 years and 10 months, and was transferred to the Army Reserve (Private) before enlisting on 31 March 1916. He was in France from 11 August 1916 and his medical record shows a number of admissions to hospital: 27 August 1916 (sick), returning to his unit on 2 September 1916, 13 August 1917 (concussion), returning to his unit 17 August and 23 March 1918 (scabies), returning to duty 9 April 1918. He had home leave from 12-26 November 1917. He was admitted to the 2 Canadian Casualty Clearing Station on 8 November with machine gun bullet wounds to the abdomen and died the same day. It was recorded in his army papers that he was buried in 'Nouveaux Military Cemetery (in monastery ground), 12 miles west of Rouboux(?)'. His grave is now in Y Farm Military Cemetery, Bois-Grenier (grave ref A.27). Awarded the British War Medal and Victory Medal.
Nottingham Evening Post obituary (abridged) 13 November 1918: CULLEN died of wounds, November 8th, Gunner George William Cullen, RGA, age 27 years, late of the Educational Staff. Mother, 25A Kirke White Street, and sisters. Ada was awarded a pension of 21/- with an additional 3/6d for her child. George's personal effects were returned to her in April 1919 and comprised: disc, letters, photos, pipe, pouch, cigarette case, torch, match box case, 9 carat gold ring, cards, religious book, wrist watch, protection strap, pair scissors, keys, (-) badge, photo case and attestation paper.
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