Peter Wise and Brenda McMahon have submitted the following:-
George was born at Barnard Castle in 1894. He was the son of Watson and Elizabeth (nee Graham). His parents married at Teesdale in 1889 and went on to have 8 children although sadly 2 died. His siblings included William, Phyllis and Mary by 1901 then by 1911 two additions arrived namely Elizabeth and Greta.
Prior to 1911 Watson had been a general labourer but then found work as a grocer’s warehouseman. By 1911 the older children had also found work, William as a bobbin carrier at the thread factory, George as a blacksmith’s striker and Phyllis was an apprentice at the shoe thread factory. Later George changed his career to a motor engineer. He worked for over 3 years with Mr Louis Smith in Galgate.
George enlisted on September 9th 1914 at Barnard Castle at the age of 20 years. Personal details on his attestation sheet shows him to be 5’7” tall, 126 lbs in weight. He had a fresh complexion, blue eyes and light brown hair. His physical development was good so he was considered fit for active service. His faith was Wesleyan.
The Teesdale Mercury 22/12/1915 repports:-
Lance-Corporal G. G. Waine of Thorngate, Barnard Castle who, whilst on active service, has been promoted to the rank of full corporal. He has just visited his home on a few days leave of absence. Corporal Waine, who has been in some severe engagements, expects to rejoin his regiment this week.
He received training at several camps in the UK. He was promoted quite quickly. He was appointed lance corporal on March 3rd 1915. He appears to have been sent to France in September 1915 disembarking there on the 11th. By November 11th 1915 he was promoted again then once again, to lance sergeant on January 20th 1916. Unfortunately less than month later he was killed in action on February 13th 1916 after having served a total service of 1 year 160 days.
He died whilst out with a working party near the town of Ypres.
The following letter of thanks to the Teesdale Mercury was sent to them only 11 days before his death:-
The Editor of the “Teesdale Mercury” has received the following letter, dated January 23rd, 1916, from George G. Waine, son of Mr and Mrs Watson Waine, Thorngate, Barnard Castle, who is serving abroad with the 14th Durham Light Infantry.
“Having received one of the many parcels which have been sent to the front by the kind people of Barnard Castle, I wish to thank all those who were responsible for it. I am sure it is very nice to know, although so far away, one is not forgotten, and the kindness which has been shown to me by the people of Barney shall always live in my memory. The contents were enjoyed by my pal and I. We had just got nicely back after being ‘mud larking’ for a few days, and it was a glorious change from ‘bully’ and biscuits. We are not allowed to say where we are or what we are doing, but no matter what part of the line we are in your noted paper always finds me every Saturday. I eagerly look forward to it coming, and if it failed to reach me I would be awfully disappointed.”
The following article was published in the Teesdale Mercury 23/02/1916 :-
Sergeant George G. Waine Killed in Action.
Mrs Waine, received a letter on Saturday from Lieutenant Ronald Eyre, of the 14th Durham Light Infantry, announcing the death of her son, Sergeant George Graham Waine, who was killed in France by a shell on Sunday 13/02/1916, while in the front line with a working party. As the deceased's platoon officer the writer feels the happening most acutely, as he held the deceased in great estimation, and was very proud of him. Sergeant Waine says the writer,“leaves behind him the reputation of being a first-class non-commissioned officer and a thorough soldier. All the officers, non-commissioned officers and men join with me in offering their deepest sympathy and regret. His grave is a mile-and-a half west of Ypres. I am sending off to-day (14th) a parcel to you containing his private belongings. If there is anything I can do for your please don't hesitate to let me know.”
Brother William was killed in action on April 14th 1917. His parents had lost all of their four sons. Two died in infancy and two in combat.
Watson Waine also served in WW1 and survived.
George Graham Waine is remembered at Barnard Castle on on B135.02, B135.13, B135.23 and B135.25
He is also remembered in The DLI Book of Remembrance page 26 as G.G. Wain
