William Kirby has submitted the following:-
George Alder, born in 1891 at Pelton, was the only son of George Alder and Emma Bradford. In 1901 the family were living at 7 Mission Row, Newfield, Pelton Fell. His father was a coalminer - hewer. In 1911 George A. junior was visiting Louisa Salkeld at 30 Woodbine Street, South Shields. He was a miner -putter.
George married Hannah Isabella Salkeld at Pelton Church, 1st September 1911.
George Alder, working as a miner, enlisted at Chester-le-Street 30th September 1914 and joined the East Yorkshire Regiment and embarked for France 9th September 1915.
George Alder was wounded at the Somme and died from his wounds at First Scottish General Hospital Aberdeen 21st August 1916. He left a wife Hannah Isabella and two children - Emma Carrick (1912) and Sidney.(1914) They were living at 3 North Row Newfield with George's parents.
The Chester-le-Street Chronicle 01/09/1916 reports:-
Military Funeral
The funeral of Private Bradford, Yorkshire Regiment, of 3 North Row Newfield, took place at the Pelton cemetery on Saturday afternoon. The deceased died of his wounds in a military hospital at Aberdeen. Full military honours were accorded. There was a bearer section composed of wounded soldiers from the Northumberland Fusiliers, in command of Sergt. Richardson, holder of the Military Medal and a firing party from the D.L.I. The Pelton Fell Brass band was in attendance. the ceremony was conducted by the Revs. A.A. Firman and Scudamore. The military arrangements were made by Mr J.R. Mole, J.P.
Recipient of the 1915 Star, the British War Medal and the Victory Medal.
Chester-le-Street Chronicle 24/08/1917 In Memoriam lists:-
Bradford - In loving memory of Pte. G.A. Bradford 8th east Yorks, who died August 21st 1916 at 1st General Hospital Aberdeen from wounds received on the Somme. Ever remembered by his comrades: Jack Usher, Geo Littledyke, Jim Anderson, Jim Taylor, Jim and Tom Robinson, Corpl. Ed Laing Corpl. Ernie Bell in France, Pte Jack Robinson and Pte. Thos Anderson in Salonika.
Bradford - In loving memory of Pte. G.A. Bradford, Pelton Fell, Grenadiers, East Yorks, who died August 21st 1916 from wounds received at the Somme. When alone in my sorrow and bitter tears flow. There stealtheth sweet dreams of a short time ago. And unknown to the world he stands by my side. And whispers these words "Death cannot divide." Deeply mourned by his loving wife and two children.
Bradford - In loving memory of Pte. G.A. Bradford 17123 Grenadiers 8th East Yorks, beloved and only son of G.A. and E, Bradford of Newfield who died at Aberdeen on August 21st 1916 from wounds received in action. Memories with sad recollections shall cherish.Fond thoughts of our loved one now cold in the clay. For his memory is stamped where it never shall perish. Or pass in silence away. Sadly missed by his sorrowing parents.
His father George died 31st October 1940 aged 81 years and his mother Emma died 17th July 1943 aged 79 years. They are buried in the next grave to George Alder at Pelton cemetery.
George Alder Bradford is remembered at Pelton on P26.01and at Pelton Fell P27.01
