Medal Index Card
Pauline Priano has submitted the following:-
George Edward Freeman, known as Pop, was born at Windy Nook, Gateshead, County Durham, during the 1st quarter (Jan/Feb/Mar) of 1890, the youngest of 2 sons he had a younger sister May.
His father Samuel John Freeman originated from South Sydenham, Devon, where he was born in 1860. He migrated with his brother, his wife and family to the north east and aged 21 years was living with them at 73, Havelock Square, Backworth, Tynemouth, working as a coal miner. In 1882 he married at Tynemouth to Mary Jane Boddy who in December 1883 gave birth to their daughter Mary in the district of Gateshead. Aged only 22 years Mary Jane Freeman nee Boddy died in March 1884 in the district of Gateshead. Samuel John Freeman remarried in the district of Tynemouth in June 1884 to Hannah Moon, born in 1865 at Llanhilleth, Monmouthshire, Wales, the mother of George Edward. Working as a coal miner, in 1891 they were living at Havelock Street, Heworth, Gateshead, Mary (7) and their eldest son Samuel John Jnr (6) were scholars George Edward was 1 year old. In 1894 Hannah gave birth to their youngest child, a daughter May, by 1901 they had moved to Fourth Street, Mary Freeman had left the family home, Samuel John Jnr was an apprentice joiner, George Edward was a scholar and their father was now employed at the colliery as a deputy overman. Aged 21 years in 1911 George Edward was also working at Heworth Colliery as a putter. The family in 1911 were living at 25, Second Street, High Heworth, Felling, Gateshead.
Just prior to the onset of WW1, in June 1914, Hannah Freeman nee Moon died aged 50 years. On the outbreak of war George Edward Freeman enlisted at Newcastle-upon-Tyne, October 14th 1914, assigned as Private 409 to the 18th Battalion Northumberland Fusiliers. The 18th Battalion converted to a Pioneer Battalion, February 8th 1915, attached to the 102nd Brigade, 34th Division and after further training at Ripon and Salisbury Plain, they departed to France landing at Le Havre, January 8th 1916. Preparations were underway for the forthcoming Battles of the Somme, July 1st-November 16th 1916 where they saw action.
Private 18/409 George Edward Freeman parents were informed he was dangerously ill suffering from appendicitis. By the time this was reported in the Hislop’s Local Advertiser, November 17th 1916, which stated also that Private Freeman may have recovered in time, George Edward was already dead. He died of appendicitis. November 16th 1916 at the hospital centre at Bailleul and was interred at Bailleul Communal Cemetery Extension, Nord, France, grave III. A. 221. He was 26 years old and single.
His father Samuel John Freeman had been nominated by Private Freeman as his sole beneficiary, as such he received all monies due to him and his awards of the British War Medal and Victory Medal sent to him at 25, Second Street, High Heworth, Gateshead, County Durham.
Samuel John Freeman of 15, Crow Hall Lane, Felling, Gateshead, County Durham died May 27th 1923. Probate June 21st 1923 was assigned to his son Samuel John Freeman, joiner and May McNaught (nee Freeman), wife of John McNaught in the sum of 1256 pounds 9 shillings 11 pence.
Samuel John Freeman Jnr died November 29th 1941 aged 56 years registered in County Durham, May McNaught nee Freeman aged 68 years in 1962 registered in Northumberland and their half sister Mary Gardhouse nee Freeman died at Gateshead, April 2nd 1957 aged 73 years.
In God’s safe keeping. Rest In Peace.
Heslop's Local Advertiser 17/11/1916 reports:
"Mr. S.J. Freeman, of High Heworth, has received word respecting his son, Pte. G.E. Freeman ('Pop'), who is dangerously ill in France. The latter states: 'Although it is impossible to speak with too much confidence concerning the result - his condition having been so serious - there is ground for saying that his recovery may be expected in time."
The same newspaper reports on 22/12/1916:
Private Geo. Edward Freeman ('Pop'), N.F., died in hospital in France, Nov. 17th. Son of Samuel J. and the late Mrs. Freeman of Heworth Colliery."
George Edward Freeman is remembered at Heworth on H92.03, (as GH Freeman) H92.04 and H92.07 (both correctly as GE Freeman) and also at Newcastle in NUT075 page 122 171.
