George Hastings

Private George Hastings, enlisted at Mansfield on 1st September 1914 whilst residing in Plymouth, Devon he served with “C” Company, 7th Battalion Leicestershire Regiment. He landed in France on 29th July 1915, he was killed in action on 14th July 1916. He is commemorated on the Thiepval Memorial.

Article published 18th August 1916 in the Notts Free Press :- “PRIVATE GEORGE HASTINGS. “Formerly employed at the works of Messrs. Barringer, Wallis and Manners, Private George Hastings, whose home was at 85, Forest-street, Sutton, enlisted on September 1st, 1914, in the 7th Leicesters, and was subsequently transferred to the machine gun section. He was drafted to France in August, 1915, and met with his death on July 14th. “From Private S. Ellis, [1] 11959, the following letter has been received: – “I am writing these few lines hoping they will find you fully recovered from the awful shock of hearing the sad news of your dear brother's death. I can at last find time to write and send all his correspondence and photographs, which I know you will keep in remembrance of him. He did not say a deal, because death was almost instantaneous. All that he said was “They have done for me,” and then he passed away. I am sending everything to you that was found on him, excepting his pay book, which I gave to the Quarter-Master Sergeant, which is the custom in the Army. I know it is a trying time for you all at home, patiently waiting for news of the loved ones who have yielded their lives, doing their duty for King, country and home. I will now close my letter with deepest sympathy. P. S. – Please let me know if you receive them all right.” “Private Lawrence Gascoyne [2] writes: – “I should very much like to express my grief in losing one of the finest pals and one of the bravest lads that England has produced, for, as you no doubt know, it was George who did the best he could be me when I was wounded. I for one shall never forget him; in fact, I cannot realise the fact that he is killed. I feel bad enough, so heaven knows how you, his dear sister, feel.” 1] Pte. Samuel Ellis, 7th Battalion Leicestershire Regiment, landed in France on 29th July 1915. He transferred to Class Z Army Reserve on 8th March 1919. [2] Pte. Lawrence Gascoyne, 7th Battalion Leicestershire Regiment, landed in France on 29th July 1915. He transferred to the Labour Corps and then to Class Z Army Reserve on 5th February 1919. Above article and information is courtesy of Jim Grundy and his facebook pages Small Town Great War Hucknall 1914-1918