Pauline Priano has submitted the following:-
George Bennett was born 1892 in Newfield, one of four children, 3 boys and 1 girl, born to William and Margaret Bennett of Newfield. William, born 1865, was a coal hewer by profession. They initially lived at 38 Ernest Place, Belmont but later in 1911 were living with their children at 47 Arthur Street, Windlestone. By 1911 George was also working at the colliery, below ground, as a putter.
The full service record of George no longer exists, however, he enlisted, joining the 12th Battalion Durham Light Infantry as Private 16941. The 12th Battalion was attached to the 68th Brigade, 23rd Division, alongside the 13th Battalion. They trained in Aldershot, were moved to Kent in February 1915 and eventually proceeded to France landing at Boulogne, August 26th 1915.They took over the front line sector between Ferme Grande Flamengrie to the Armentieres-Wez Marquart Road in the September. In late September they were in reserve, however, at the beginning of October they were again in the front line trenches alternating every three days or so with the 13th Battalion D. L. I. The 12th Battalion War Diaries report that October 23rd 1915 one man accidentally received a gun shot wound. This may well have been George as he died of wounds that day. Private 16941 George Bennett is interred at Sailly-Sur-La-Lys Canadian Cemetery, 7 kilometres north of Armentieres, France, grave II B 32. George was 23 years old and unmarried.
George’s brother Robert Henry Bennett also enlisted as Driver 71862 Royal Field Artillery and was posted to France, September 29th 1915. He survived the Great War and was awarded the 1915 Star, the British War Medal and the Victory Medal.
In God’s safe keeping. Rest In Peace.
George Bennett is remembered at Chilton on C107.04, C107.12 and C107.14 (Darlington D40.039)
