Tyne Cot Memorial
Tyne Cot Memorial
Pauline Priano has submitted the following:-
George Holmes was born August 1896 in Craghead, County Durham, one of 10 known children, 5 boys and 5 girls born to Isaac Holmes 1849 Midge Holme, Cumberland and Margaret Goodwin 1852 Mold, Flintshire, Wales. They were married September 1874 in the district of Bishop Auckland, Isaac worked as a coal miner-labourer. In 1891 they were living at 3 West Pit, Lumley, later moving to 10 Wagtail, Holmside, Craghead as the family grew. Between 1901 and 1911 Margaret Holmes passed away, her husband went to live along with Joseph, John and William with their eldest sister Isabella, now married to George Grant and living at 14, High Row, Sixth Pit, Fencehouses, where her husband was a deputy overman at the mine. George remained in Craghead.
George Holmes gave up his work as a coal miner to enlist in Stanley, December 11th 1915, giving his address as 23, Rose Avenue, South Moor. He was first assigned as Private 28249 to the 19th (Service) Battalion Durham Light Infantry. He remained in England undergoing training until June 16th 1916 when he was embarked for France as part of the British Expeditionary Force. The 19th Battalion was attached to the 106th Brigade, 35th Division just as preparations were underway for the Battles of the Somme in which it participated. George was wounded in action taking a gunshot wound to the left leg and was taken to the Casualty Clearing Station, February 10th 1917, then on to the 14th General Hospital near Wimereux. Shipped back to England March 11th 1917 for treatment and to convalesce he did not return to his regiment until July 27th of the same year. Later that year he was hospitalised for several minor ailments including a bout of cellulitis to the ankle. During his service George was transferred to the 15th Battalion D.L.I., date unknown and saw action during the Third Battle of Ypres better known as the Battle of Passchendaele.
Private 28249 George Holmes Durham Light Infantry was killed in action on the Ypres salient, October 11th 1917. His sacrifice is recorded on panel 128-131, Tyne Cot Cemetery, Zonnebeke, near Ypres, Belgium, as George has no known grave.
George Holmes was 22 years old and single. His sister Isabella, nominated as his sole beneficiary, received all his belongings, monies due to him, a pension and his awards of the British War Medal and Victory Medal at her home address of 14 High Row, Sixth Pit, Fencehouses, County Durham.
In God’s safe keeping. Rest In Peace.
George Holmes is remembered at Craghead on C120.01 C120.02 and C120.04 and at Stanley on S125.04
