George Darwin
- Family History
- Military History
- Extra Information
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Born in 1895, George Oswald Darwin came from a family of 13 children. His parents were George and Mary Darwin, née Knight. They married on the 5th February 1889 at Clayworth St Peter’s Church and had their first child in 1891 and their last in 1910. George senior spent his working life as an agricultural labourer and gardener.
Pte George Darwin Retford Times 28 Sept 1917 Notification has bee received by Mr and Mrs G Darwin of Mill House, Clayworth, that their eldest son, Pte George Darwin was killed on the night of Sept 12th “somewhere in France.” When the sad news became known in the village, where he was known by everybody, it cast quite a gloom over the whole parish. He was only 22 years of age and joined the Notts and Derby Regiment three years ago. He was of a quiet disposition and a general favourite all round. The last leave he had was five weeks ago, when he came home and looked a fine soldier. The following letter dated 18 Sept, has been received from the chaplain:- “I am most awfully sorry to write such bad news, but I trust you will bear it with Christian fortitude. An enemy trench mortar shell landed in the middle of one of our posts the other night and killed a great number of our men, of whom Pte George Darwin was one. It may comfort you to know whoever, to know that he cannot have suffered, and that our brave men who have given up their lives in this great cause are most surely kept safe in the arms of God until the day when we shall meet again.” Mrs Darwin also received a beautiful letter from Lieut Elly speaking most highly of the character of the deceased. His loss shall be felt keenly at Clayworth and the sympathy of all is extended to the bereaved parent and relatives.
Research by Colin Dannatt
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