George Walton
- Family History
- Military History
- Extra Information
- Photographs
George who was the son of Arthur a lace manufacturer and Sarah Ann was born on 28th February 1883 at Bull Field, Sutton-in-Ashfield, Nottinghamshire and was one of twelve children one of whom died prior to 1911 , he has seven brothers , James - Alfred - Benjamin - Arthur - Frederick - Horace and William and three sisters Maggie - Annie - Edith . Five of his brothers also served during the ' Great War' He left Sutton in 1897 for New Zealand and was engaged in farm work there. At the time of his death his parents were living at Wellington House, Bathwood Drive, Sutton-in-Ashfield.
Shortly after war broke out George enlisted and served with the 1st brigade Division Artillery, New Zealand Expeditionary Force. He left Wellington, New Zealand on the 16th October 1914 aboard either the Limerick or Awara, the destination being Suez, Egypt. His enlistment address was given as Post-office, Marton, New Zealand. He served during the Gallipoli campaign following which he was drafted to Egypt and then France. He died on 21st September 1916, aged 33 years, and was buried in the Caterpillar Valley Cemetery, Longueval, Somme, France grave reference II E 7
The following report appeared in the Notts Free Press after George’s death:- ‘Mr and Mrs A Walton, Wellington House, Bathwood Drive, Sutton-in-Ashfield, have received an intimation that their fourth son, Acting Bombardier G Walton 2/509 1st Brigade Division Artillery of the New Zealand Expeditionary Forces was killed in action in France on September 21st. The deceased soldier who was 33 years of age and single, left Sutton nine years ago for New Zealand and was engaged in farm work there. He enlisted soon after the outbreak of war and took part in the operations at the Dardenelles, afterwards being drafted to Egypt and then to France. Acting Bombardier was one of five brothers serving with the forces.’ Information on George Walton is courtesy of Lynne Weston
