George Brailsford
- Family History
- Military History
- Extra Information
- Photographs
He was born about 1898, the son of Francis and Ellen Brailsford. Francis was a framework knitter. In 1901 Francis and Ellen were living at 53 Union Street, Sutton in Ashfield, with their seven children: Mary Jane (19), Robert (18), Francis (16), Eliza (14), Sarah Anne (11), Nellie [Ellen] (8) and George (3). In 1911 they were still living at the same address. Francis completed the 1911 census with the information that he and his wife had been married for 31 years and had had 8 children born alive of whom 7 were still living. All the children named in the 1901 census with the exception of the eldest boy, Robert, were living at home on the night of the census. The name of another son, John (4 months) was entered then deleted on the census form and he may be the child who had not survived as he was not named on the army form listing George's living relatives. That form was completed in October 1919 and six siblings were named: Robert Brailsford (36), 33 Cabourn Street, Sutton; Francis Brailsford (34), Nesbit Street; Mary Jane Smith (38) Deepdale Sutton; Sarah Ann Phillips (30); Eliza Booth (32) Queen’s Road; Ellen Heathcote (27), Kirkby. George's mother died at the age of 65 on 23 September 1924 and his father on 11 January 1944 aged 87.
His army service record survives. George was 18 years and 191 days old when he attested. He was posted to the Army Reserve (9th Training Reserve) on 6 June 1916 but not mobilized until 30 December 1916. He was on home service from 6 June to March 1917 when on 27 March he embarked at Folkestone for France. He disembarked in Boulogne on 27 March and transferred to Etaples the same day. He transferred to the 15th Bn Durham Light Infantry on 26 March 1917 and then transferred to the 10th Bn of the same regiment on 15 April 1917 joining the unit the following day. He was killed in action on 8 May 1917 just six weeks after arriving in France and having served in the army for 337 days. He has no known grave and is commemorated on the Arras Memorial (Bay 8). He qualified for the British War Medal and Victory Medal.
His army service record includes a certified true copy of his will: ‘In the event of my death I give the whole of my property and effects to my mother, Mrs Ellen Brailsford, of 53 Union Street, Sutton in Ashfield. Signature George Brailsford, Rank and Reg Pte 49925 DLI, Date 22nd March 1917.’ This is borne out by the Soldiers' Effects record which names his mother as his legatee. George's private property was returned to his mother and comprised letters, photos, rel. book, diary, medical cards, AF2512A. Family headstone, Sutton in Ashfield cemetery, 'In loving memory of Ellen the beloved wife of Francis Brailsford who died Sept. 23rd 1924 aged 65 years. O rest in the Lord. Also her beloved husband Francis, who died Jan. 11th 1944 aged 87 years. And of their son Pte George Brailsford, 10th DLI, killed in action in France May 8th 1917.’ Rachel Farrand
