Brenda McMahon has submitted the following:-
George was born at Jarrow on 4th February 1887 the son of Scottish parents Alexander (1847-1891) and Mary Ann (nee Sim) (1851-1915). The couple married in 1869 and went on to have several children.
The 1891 census shows the family living at 4 Elm Street, Hedworth, Jarrow. The siblings were Robina born1869, John Alexander born 1877 (boilermaker’s apprentice), Isabella born 1878, Mary born 1880, James born 1884 and George 1887. Their father, Alex, was a shipbuilder by trade. However, at that time he was also shown as a delegate with Boilermakers and Iron Shipbuilders Workmen’s Association.
By 1901 census Mary Ann, now widowed, was head of the household. Several of her children had moved on finding homes and families of their own. However, some were still living at home - son, James, was now a shipyard apprentice whilst youngest son George was an apprentice boilermaker. Also there was daughter, Margery who had been born in 1891.
In 1909 George married his sweetheart Alice Holmes. The marriage was registered at Sedgefield.
The 1911 census finds mixture of family members at Church Street Coxhoe which is the home of George’s father in law, William Henry Holmes. With George is his 8-month old baby girl, Edna (born July 4th 1910). His trade is shown as a stoneman. Alice was not at home she had been admitted into Winterton Asylum on February 28th 1911 and was discharged June 13th 1911 possibly suffering from post-natal depression
After Edna other children arrived. There was Nora, (March 11th 1912) William Alexander, (March 16th 1913 and Robina (17 March 1915). A further child George Edward was born posthumously on February 18th 1918 after his father’s death. On the 1939 register it is recorded that George, their last son was an invalid. He never worked.
Mary Ann, George's mother, died in 1915. She was living at Hampshire at the time of her death.
George, working a postman, enlisted soon after war broke out and his records show that as a Reservist he was sent to France on the 11th September 1914. He was originally a gunner with the 24th Brigade. R.F.A. but later promoted to acting bombardier then finally to sergeant.
The Hartlepool Northern Daily Mail Tuesday 22/05/1917 :-
Mrs Keith, Front Street, Coxhoe has received news that her husband, Acting Bombardier George Keith of the R.F.A. formerly a postman at Coxhoe has been promoted to sergeant and awarded the Military Medal for gallantry. In a letter Sergeant Keith says "On the 30th April I went for a poor fellow who was in a hot shop, but I am sorry to say he died about 5 minutes after, so I didn’t do anything good for him, poor fellow, only saved him being burnt to a cinder. Last night I was told by my C.O. that I had been recommended for the D.C.M. but they gave me the M.M. Better luck next time."
The Hartlepool Northern Daily Mail 05/06/1917:-
At the Workingmen’s Club, Coxhoe last night Sergt. George Keith who was recently awarded the Military Medal was presented with a purse of money, the gift of the members of the club. Mr Wm. Harrod, president of the club made the presentation. A programme of music was contributed to by Messrs A. Elliott, G. Todd, W. Niel and Sergt. Keith. Mr J Sanderson being the pianist.
George was awarded the Military Medal for his gallantry following an incident on the 30th April 1917. His award is listed on page 6832 Supplement to the London Gazette 9th July 1917
The Hartlepool Northern Daily Mail 21/09/1917
News has been received by Mrs George Keith, Front Street, Coxhoe, that her husband Sgt George Keith R.F.A. was killed by a shell on the 14th inst. Deceased, who was 30 years of age, was a reservist and had been in France above 3 years. He was for some time a postman at Coxhoe but was employed at Tursdale Colliery when he rejoined. In a letter to Mrs Keith the Rev C. Steer, Chaplain to the Forces, says the sergeant was killed at the gun line and that his death was instantaneous, the result of a shell burst. He adds “We buried him with all reverence this afternoon in a little cemetery and his battery are going to put up a cross on the grave, which will be cared for.” Last year deceased was promoted sergeant and awarded the Military Medal for gallant conduct being presented with a purse of money by a member of the Coxhoe Workingmen’s Club when at home on leave last Whitsuntide. He leaves a widow, daughter of Mr W.W. Holmes, a newsagent at Coxhoe and 4 young children. A brother of the deceased was killed in action a few months ago.
The Hartlepool Northern Daily Mail 09/10/1917:-
Last night a service was held in the Wesleyan Church, Coxhoe to the memory of Sergt. George Keith, Military Medallist, R.F.A. of Coxhoe who was recently killed in action. There was a very large attendance, the service which was very impressive being conducted By Rev C.F. Brend (Durham)
George was buried at the military cemetery at Pont-d'Achelles. It was begun in June 1917 and used by field ambulances and fighting units until the German advance in the following April.
An inscription was added to his headstone :- "Death divides but memory clings"
George’s widow was given a pension of 31/3d as from the 1st April 1918 however a note on pension cards states "Instruct to issue pension of 2/6d in respect of child George Edward from commencement increasing 4/2d from 1st May 1918.".
Medals : 1914 Star and Clasp, British War Medal and Victory Medal
George Keith is remembered at Coxhoe on C103.01, C103.03 and C103.08 and at Tursdale on T62.02
