No.29712, Private, George William KING
Aged 29
|
George William King was born in Soham in 1887,(Newmarket Q3-1886 3B:541) son of George William and Ann KING (née ATTLESEY)
1891 census...Aged 4, he was at Qua Fen Common, Soham with his father George William KING [31] farm labourer; his mother Ann [28]; brother Sidney [2] and sister Lizzie [4 months]. All are recorded as born in Soham despite "Soldiers Died" recording Cubitt Town, Middlesex as his birth place. 1901 census...Aged 14, farm labourer, he was at Qua Fen Common, Soham with his parents, brother Sidney (farm labourer), sister Lizzie and sister Ada [5] born Soham. On 20th October 1906, in Soham, he married Emily BADCOCK [19-10-1886]. 1911 census...Aged 24, a farm labourer, he was at Qua Fen Common, Soham with his wife Emily [24] born Soham, their son Reginald George William [8-8-1907] born Soham and his brother in law George Badcock [20],labourer, born Soham. They had a further son Bernard Jonathan KING [6-4-1912-1985]
|
|
Enlisted in Bury St Edmunds.
On the 21st April 1917 the battalion were on the last of five days in support near Arras, having 4 killed before being relieved that day by 7th Royal Fusiliers and moving on the 22nd into the line near GAVRELLE. Local press report A communication from the War Office,dated May 2nd, was received by Mrs. King of Qua Fen Common,to the effect that her husband, Pte.George Wm. King of the Beds. Regt., was wounded on April 1st. Further enquiries were made, and these were followed up about a fortnight later, with an official intimation from the War Office that he was killed in action on April 21st. A fellow soldier, writing to Mrs. King, says-"We, the boys of the ---Platoon, B Company, regret to inform you that your husband, Geo. King, was killed in action on April 20th. The only consolation we can give you is that he died a soldier's death for his King and Country. which is the greatest and most supreme sacrifice a man can make. He was a cheerful soldier and a good comrade. The platoon greatly deplores his loss, and we all offer our sincere sympathy". Pte. King enlisted under the Derby scheme, and was called up on May 31st, 1916. He went to France the following September. since when he has been through several sharp engagements. He was 30 years of age and leaves a widow and two children.
photo: Commonwealth War Graves Commission click here to go to the Commonwealth War Graves Commission website for full cemetery/memorial details |
