William Kirby has submitted the following:-
George was born at Hamsteels County Durham in 1879 the son of George and Frances Clara nee Golightly. Other siblings include his twin Robert, Margaret 1864, Joseph 1866 and Frances 1876.
In 1881 the family are living in the Framwellgate area of Durham. In 1891 they had moved to Edward Square, Chester-le-Street.
George married Jane Ann Anderson and their children included Robert 1892, John George 1897, Henry Edward 1899, Margaret Elizabeth 1900, James 1903 and Gerald 1906.
In 1901 the family with Jane Ann's parents were living in Canada, Chester-le-Street. Jane Ann died in 1910 and is buried with her parents in Ropery Lane Cemetery.
In 1911 George a hand putter below ground was living at 28 Wark Street, Chester-le-Street.
The Chester-le-Street Chronicle 20/12/1918 reports:-
Military Funeral
On Sunday the funeral took place of Pte. Geo. Ritson, Royal Defence Corps, who died at Armstrong College, Newcastle on the 10th inst. The body was conveyed to his home at 28 Wark Street, Chester-le-Street on Saturday. The deceased had been in the army for upwards of three years, prior to which he was employed at South Pelaw Colliery.
At the internment on Sunday the Chester-le-Street Platoon, 9th V.B. D.L.I., showed their last tribute of respect by supplying the firing party and preceding the funeral cortege from the residence to the cemetery to the strains of the Battalion Band.
The service was conducted by Rev. F.H. Harrison.
The family mourners included the three sons Messrs. James, Gerald, and Robert Ritson. Another son of the deceased Pte. Jn. G. Ritson K.O.S.B., was in France, and although a telegram was dispatched it did not reach him in time. He has since arrived home on a month's leave of absence. Another son Pte. Henry E. Ritson, Lanc. Fus., died in France on 1st November, from pneumonia, and this greatly affected the father.
As George never entered a Theatre of War he was not entitled to any medals.
George's sons John George 1897served and Henry Edward 1899 died in the Great War.
John George 1897-1957 and his wife Edith May nee Allison 1904-1930 are buried with George 1870-1918 in Ropery Lane Cemetery.
Acknowledgements: Chester-le-Street Heritage Group
George Ritson is remembered at Chester-le-Street on C105.01, C105.12, C105.15 and C105.40
