George Hunt
- Family History
- Military History
- Extra Information
- Photographs
Born in 1895, George was the second son of Charles and Gertrude Hunt (née Swann). His father was born in Somerset and his mother in Birmingham; they were married in Nottingham in 1891. Charles was a railway shunter at the time of the 1901 census but by 1911 was a caretaker at a lace warehouse. According to the 1911 census, Charles and Gertrude had ten children born alive of whom only seven were still living at the time of the census: Walter John, Mabel, George, Maud, Nellie, Gertrude and Ernest Hunt. With the exception of Walter who was born in Bradford, Yorkshire, all the children were born in Nottingham. In 1901 Charles (34) and Gertrude (35) with their five children, Walter (9), Mabel (7), George (4), Maude (3) and Nellie (1), were living at 214 Gordon Road, Nottingham. Also in the household was Charles' brother-in-law, Walter Swann, a printer's clerk. Another two children were born several years later; Gertrude (abt 1903) and Ernest A, (abt 1906). Gertrude died aged 44 in 1910 (death registered Jul/Aug/Sep). At the time of the census the following year her widower was living at 23 Hogarth Street, Carlton Road, Sneinton, with all seven of their children. Charles completed a declaration of his son's living relatives for the Army on 26 May 1919; the Rev JH Tomlinson of St Matthias Vicarage, Sneinton, was the witness. Charles was still at 23 Hogarth Street with his four youngest children; Maude (21), Nellie (19), Gertrude (15) and Ernest (13). His eldest son, Walter John (27), was living at 12A Beauchamp Street, Carlton Road, Nottingham, and his married daughter, Mabel Osborne (25), was living at 85 Annesley Road, Annesley, Nottinghamshire.
His army service record survives. George attested on 5 September 1914, when he was 19 years old. He joined the Rifle Brigade at Winchester on 11 September 1914 and saw service at home until going to France on 30 July 1915. He was appointed acting corporal on 18 February 1915, promoted corporal (acting) 24 August 1916, then appointed acting sergeant on 14 November 1916. However, he reverted to corporal (acting) on 15 December 1916, by reason of: 'neglect of duty ie parading party half-hour late, failing to send out to a platoon Btn orders'. Nevertheless, only two weeks later on 30 December 1916 he was again appointed sergeant (acting). He was confirmed in the rank of corporal (his substantive rank) on 29 January 1917. He was still holding the acting rank of sergeant when he was killed in action on 23 April 1917. He has no known grave and is commemorated on the Arras Memorial (Bay 9). He qualified for the 1915 Star, British War Medal and Victory Medal.
His father was the recipient of his son's medals and the scroll and memorial plaque. In August 1919 Charles acknowledged receipt of the 'Princess Mary’s Gift granted to all soldiers serving on 24th December 1914' which George had received and which the army returned to his father.
No Photos