Photo : Captain Gladstone Adams
Medal Index Card
Stage Magazine Thursday 19th September 1907
Indian Mutiny Medal
George Houghton Junior, was born on the 3rd August 1881 in Liverpool at 53 Moorgate Street, West Derby, baptised 4th September 1881 St. Catherine's, Lancashire, in 1882 the son of George Houghton, [born 4th February 1822, Ditton, died 9th February 1914, at 8 Dodd Street, Edgehill, Liverpool, the son of Samuel Houghton, born Ditton, Lancashire in 1782, died 1861, and Hannah born 1791], and Mary [nee McInerney, formerly Kiely, born 1844, Newry, Ireland, the daughter of a Roger Kiely, a Labourer], the second youngest son of seven children.
George Houghton, Senior had served in the army for twenty three years. He took part in the Indian Mutiny and took part in a famous engagement, commanded by Lord Gough, with the 2nd Sikh Regiment of which out of 2000 only 45 survived.
He was in the 29th Regiment (Worcestershire), with the service number 3976, and was awarded the Indian Mutiny service medal, 1857 to 1858, which he received on the 11th March 1908. He was an 'out' Chelsea Pensioner receiving his pension. He then worked for the Custom Service for about 20 years.
By 1881, George senior, had married widowed Mary McInerney, formerly Kiely, [daughter of Roger Kiely], her first husband died, [we think was called John, but unconfirmed], and she married George on the 8th November 1880, at the Church of St. Catherine West Derby, Lancaster. She was 20 years younger than George. They were residing with Mary's children from her first marriage, William McInerney, born June 1868, Toronto, Canada, Eva McInerney, born Jamaica 1868, Kate born 1877, Ernest born 1879, both born at Manchester, one of the children Mary, born 1883 died after 1891 and Edward Houghton was born in Liverpool in October 1886 residing at 53 Moorgate Street, Liverpool.
William McInerney was a soldier in the 2nd Battalion Kings (Liverpool Regiment) who enlisted on the 5th July 1886, he was 5 feet 5 inches tall, weight 116lbs, pale complexion, grey eyes and brown hair, and was a Roman Catholic. Believe his father was a serving soldier as William was born in Toronto, Canada. Williams service number was 1729, and he signed up for a short Service attestation. Occupation then Painter. He had an Anchor and six dots tattooed on his left forearm and a scar on his right wrist, and landed in India on the 4th October 1888. William spent about 10 days in Hospital suffering from Rheumatism as well as Abrasions of his skin and abscesses. Also he was tried for Drunkenness whilst on duty which resulted in a 14 day confinement on the 19th June 1888. He also was absent between the 18th September to the 26th September 1886, all this contributed to his service being reduced.
William was in the UK from 5th July 1886 to the 6th September 1888, then to India 7th September 1888 till the 14th November 1892, finally returning home from the 15th November until he was time expired on the 4th July 1898. His Next of Kin was entered as George Houghton then residing at 2 Barker Street, Liverpool. His older brother John was also in the 2nd Battalion Lancashire Fusiliers. William re-enlisted in World War 1, on the 11th November 1914, but this time he was in the 16th Battalion (Transport), Yorks and Lancaster Regiment with the service nu 26883. He completed 3 years and 144 days, prior to having a medical examination at Ripon, on the 13th March 1918 who were in the opinion that he was unfit to be a soldier, this resulted in receiving a 20% pension due to his condition. Which commenced on the 8th April 1919 9s 2d. Apparently whilst on the Isle of Man, in 1914, he got an attack of Rheumatism which effects his right shoulder, a shooting pain down is right side. He states that in damp the pain is unbearable. William was suffering from Rheumatism aggravated by the War. William also noted two children on his service papers an Alice born 8th June 1912 and a Hilda Louise born the 5th October 1916. He gave his residence address in 1918 as 4 Milner Square, Picton Street, Liverpool.
The 2nd King's had been on the Indian subcontinent since 1877 and had fought in the Second Afghan War. The Third Burmese War punctuated the battalion's overseas service in the 1880s. Intent on deposing Upper Burma's King Thibaw and imposing imperial rule, Britain issued an ultimatum consisting of demands that were rejected as anticipated. The invasion began in November 1885 in the form of the Burma Field Force, which progressed up the Irrawaddy River via transports, enabling the rapid capture of frontier forts and the capital Mandalay. After the capital's seizure, the battalion provided an escort that oversaw the exile of Thibaw. A guerrilla campaign against the British followed the completion of Upper Burma's annexation on the 1st January 1886, lasting for at least five years. For more than a year, the King's operated in small groups pursuing guerrillas in the Burmese jungle. Casualties numbered 12 officers and 256 men by the time the battalion had returned to India. In early 1900 the 2nd Battalion Liverpool Regiment was stationed at Gibraltar.
Source : Wikepedia
In the 1901 census, George junior, was at 137 Bayford Road, Littlehampton, Sussex as a visitor, touring as an actor.
He was described as a 'Theatrical [Pierrot]' a clown like mime artist, very popular among audiences of the time.
George Houghton junior, married Hilda Louise Greenhalgh, daughter of John Greenhalgh, a Doctor, [born 21st September 1887, Skelsmanthorpe], on the 11th December 1905, at Oxford Place Chapel, Leeds. The ceremony was carried by Samuel Chadwick who was a Wesleyan Minister. George was residing then at 6 Selbourne Terrace, Gateshead. Hilda's address was recorded as 6 Belle Vue Terrace, Leeds, witnessed by a Charles (Ericson?) Dun Greenhalgh and Mary Ann Greenhalgh.
On the 22nd December 1906 they had a boy called George Basil Houghton who was born at 6 Belle Vue Terrace, Leeds, (he married Mary Barber in 1940 and he died 16th March 1976.)
In 1911, George and Hilda with their son George Basil, aged 4, were residing at 16, Ilfracombe Gardens, Monkseaton, Northumberland.
George Houghton junior enlisted with the 28th Battalion Artists Rifles on the 23rd November 1915, at Whitley Bay, as a Private service number 9455, 5 feet 6 and a half inches tall. [He attested earlier on the 11th November 1915 as his service number allocated to him 763457 indicates he joined between the 11th and 19th November. After the 20th his service number would be in the 763600 series].
Gazetted on the 10th June 1917 in the 12th Service Battalion, West Yorkshire Regiment (Prince of Wales's Own) as a Temporary 2nd Lieutenant, then attached to the 6th Battalion, Dorsetshire Regiment on the 28th March 1917, with the service number 763457.
He arrived in France on the 26th May 1917, after about 6 weeks George got leave and returned home to Whitley Bay for a weeks leave before returning back to the front line.
The 6th Battalion was raised on the 6th September 1914 at Dorchester. In the hectic fortnight that followed prior to the move to Wareham over 1,000 men joined. Unlike the 5th Battalion, most of whose recruits were local to Dorset, only three hundred were from the County, the majority of whom joined 'D' Company. 400 volunteers came from London, another 400 from Warwickshire and 70 miners came from South Wales.
The Battalion formed part of the 17th Northern Division, whose battalions – mainly from northern regiments – undertook their training in and around the hills, heaths, and pine woods surrounding Bovington. Originally earmarked as Pioneers, the 6th Dorsets expressed a wish to be a fighting unit and the 7th York & Lancasters assumed the pioneer role.
Although initially the Division had been selected for Home Defence duties, this decision was reversed and they proceeded to France, landing at Boulogne on the 14th July 1915, concentrating near St Omer. They moved into the Southern Ypres salient and, after their initial trench familiarization, went into the line in that area.
In the spring of 1916 they saw action at the Bluff, south east of Ypres on the Comines Canal, before moving south to the Somme. Here they fought in the Battle of Albert, in which the Division captured Fricourt, and in the battle at Delville Wood.
In 1917 they moved to Arras and saw action in The First and Second Battles of the Scarpe and The Capture of Roeux. In late summer they returned to Flanders and fought in The First and Second Battles of Passchendaele.
George was killed by shellfire whist working on the trenches along with three other men. He was in 'B' Company.
Shields Daily News Wednesday 19/03/1913: 'APPLICATION FOR LICENSE At Whitley, today, Mr A. Whitehorn, on behalf of Messrs Ambro and Houghton, proprietors of the new theatre in course of completion in Marine Avenue, Whitley, to be known as the Kursall, for a 14 days' music and dancing license. Counsel explained that the building unfortunately was not finished, but it was expected to be ready for the proposed opening performance on Easter Monday, and applicant (Mr Geo. Houghton) had engaged a troupe of entertainers for that date.- Inspector Jackson said the building was at present in skeleton form - there were neither doors or windows in it. - After some discussion, the magistrates granted the application, the license to be given on production of a certificate of safety from the local surveyor and on the police being satisfied. - The Chairman (Mr Wm. Spicer) and Ald. Mason undertook to inspect the building on Monday morning.
Whitley Seaside Chronicle and Visitors' Gazette Saturday 29/03/1913. This regards the opening of the Kursaal:
Consequent upon Messrs. Ambro and Houghton receiving the imprimatur of a couple of obliging magistrates on Easter Monday morning they were enabled to formally open their spacious and beautifully equipped Kursaal in good time for an evening performance.
There was but little ceremony in the proceedings, Mr Houghton simply stepping to the front of the proscenium, declaring the Kursaal open and leading off with "God Save the King." The audience at once rose (sic) the occasion, and bare-headed heartily ined (sic) in the National Anthem. Immediately afterwards the performance commenced with a concerted number, invariable applause following each item rendered by the talented troupe.
Amongst the special numbers rendered individually by the lady and gentlemen Debonairs were Mr. Charles Hargrave's "Toreador" and "Voice of the Storm," most delightfully given. Miss Maud Gardener, who has a fine contralto voice gave "Ma Honey Gal" and "Keep on Swinging Me"; Mr. Walter Amner, comedian, tendered his favourites, "I'm going away" and "Tommy's Slide"; Miss Lilian Du Venny gave amongst others, "Fairies" and "My Sunday Best," her sweet soprano voice being heard to great advantage in these items. Harry Bright, light comedian, was special in "Let's all go Mad," and extra special in "The Wedding Glide," with Miss Maud Gardener as his partner. Mr. Geo. Houghton was in excellent voice, and greatly pleased with "So you want to be a Soldier," and a monologue, "Ef yer Like." Mr. Louis Holt, humorist at the piano, was quite a host in himself, whilst Mr. Harry Taylor also gave pleasing selections from his extensive repertoire. Collectively the Debonairs rendered "Pucker up your Lips." "Chicken Rag," "The Nightwatchman," etc., and a trio, "Mr Hippopotamus," fairly brought down the house.The Kursaal opened well, and has done so well throughout the week as to already establish itself as a great success and a pleasing addition to the amenities of the seaside.Messrs. Ambro and Houghton have already scored an unequivocal success with their Debonairs and confidently look forward to a successful season. The hall is most comfortable, dry and warm, and the seating is luxurious in character.
With such artistes, and a change of programme nightly, the Debonairs should see a great season.Admission is 3d, 6d, and 1s. (reserved), whilst season tickets are issued at the moderate prices of 10s 6d, 15s, and £1 1s, according to seating.
Seats may also be booked at any time at 16, Ilfracombe Gardens.
The Era - Saturday 05/04/1913 'THE KURSAAL, WHITLEY BAY Whitley's latest hall of entertainment opened its doors on Monday, the 24th ult., after a remarkable achievement in building and furnishing, the foundations having been laid barely a couple of months beforehand. The interior of the theatre is tastefully decorated in conventional style, white being the keynote of the colour scheme. All seats are tip-up arm chairs, and are all on the ground floor, the prices at present ranging from one shilling to threepence. The proscenium, if somewhat low, is quite wide and deep, and is very suitable to the class of entertainment to be submitted during the opening weeks, viz., that provided by Messrs. Ambro and Houghton's concert party, "Debonairs," who, it may be remembered, inaugurated their show at Whitley Bay two years ago. The troupe is now working in two sections, one managed by Wil Ambro and the other by Geo. Houghton. It is the latter combination that is occupying the boards of the new house. Mr. Houghton, a gentleman very popular on the north east coast, sings with all his custormary feeling, and is successful in some humorous dialect monologues. Mr. Walter Amner, another old favourite, is a quaint comedian of extraordinary gifts (and Mr. Hary Taylor alos - sic) a member of the original company, is a capable accompanist and quite a brilliant solo pianist. Among the new acquisitions are Mr. Charles Hargreaves, an accomplished baritone; Mr Louis Holt, a clever entertainer at the piano; Mr Harry Bright, who shines in rag-time numbers; Miss Lillian Du Venny, a comedienne with a sweet soprano voice; and Miss Maud Gardener, who sings negro and other songs sweetly and dances charmingly. The master-hand of Mr. Houghton is seen in all the concerted items and accompanying dances, which are, as in the past, quite a feature of the performance. Messrs. Ambro and Houghton are the sole proprietors of the new house; Mr Geo. Houghton is the resident-manager; and the proprietors have been very fortunate in securing the services, as acting-manager, of Mr. Richard Lyons.
Whitley Seaside Chronicle and Visitors' Gazette - Saturday, 07/09/1918: 'DEATH OF LIEUT. HOUGHTON KILLED IN ACTION
It will be with feelings of deep regret that the general public of this district and a wide circle of friends learn of the death of Lieut. Geo. Houghton, West York's (attached to Dorset Regiment) who was killed in action in France on Monday, the 26th August and universal sympathy will be extended to his widow, Mrs Houghton and her little son, in a poignant sorrow which has come to many of late. Mr George Houghton, who has for some years been a resident of Whitley Bay, was a partner in the firm of Ambrose and Houghton, proprietors of Whitley Kursaal and also of a concert hall at Bradford. From early youth, Mr Houghton, who had a fine tenor voice, and was possessed of considerable ability as an artiste, had followed that profession and some years ago joined in a partnership which eventuated in the building of Whitley Kursaal and the running of successful concert companies, notably, the 'Debonairs' and 'Superbs.'
His career as an artiste, manager and proprietor, brought him into touch with a very wide circle of artists and other friends, with all of whom he was most popular, his genial disposition endearing him to all, and by none will his loss, fighting for his country, be more deeply regretted than by the many of the seaside who knew him well and held him in high esteem.
Lieut. Houghton left the fighting line in France on furlough but some six weeks ago, and after spending his few allotted days at home in Whitley Bay, again left for the Front, his death in action occurring only after his return to France. Mr Ambrose is also with the colours in the Motor Transport (sic) Service (sic)
Newcastle Evening Chronicle 25/08/1919 : Houghton:- In affectionate remembrance of 2nd Lieut. George Houghton killed in action Aug. 26th, 1918. Ever remembered by his loving friends, Mr. and Mrs. Harle and family.
This death notice and notice of thanks from Hilda appeared in the Whitley Seaside Chronicle and Visitors' Gazette Saturday, 07/09/1918:HOUGHTON.- Killed in action, August 26th, George dearly beloved husband of Hilda Houghton. Deeply mourned by all.
Thanks
Mrs Houghton wishes to express her sincere gratitude to the numerous friends who have called and written to her in her sorrow. At present she is unable to answer individually but hopes to do so later.
Newcastle Journal Tuesday, 02/09/1918 : SEC.-LIEUT. G. HOUGHTON.Mrs George Houghton (15?) Ilfracombe Gardens, Whitley Bay, had received information that her husband, Second-Lieut. George Houghton, West York's (attached to the Dorset Regiment), was killed in action on August 26. Deceased joined the army two years ago, and had been in France close on 18 months. He was of the firm of Messrs Ambro and Houghton, The Kursaal, Whitley Bay.
Also, these memoriam notices appeared in the Whitley Seaside Chronicle and Visitors' Gazette Saturday, 23/08/ 1919:
HOUGHTON - In proud and loving memory of my dear husband, George, who made the supreme sacrifice August 26th, 1918. Ever remembered by his wife and son.
HOUGHTON - To the memory of my true friend and partner, George, killed in action August 26th, 1918. Will Ambro.
There were also 3 notices which appeared in 'The Stage' dated Thursday 28/08/1919:
HOUGHTON.- In proud and loving memory of George, dearly loved husband of Hylda Houghton, killed in action August 26th, 1918.
HOUGHTON.- In affectionate and sincere memory of George Houghton, killed in action August 26, 1918. Never forgotten by Mr. and Mrs. Will Ambro.
HOUGHTON.- in memory of George Houghton, killed August 26, 1918. Ambro and Houghton's Superbs.
This article appeared in the Newcastle Journal Thursday 18/11/1915:
CHRISTMAS GIFTS FOR THE WEST YORKSHIRES Yesterday afternoon an entertainment took place at the Kursaal, Whitley Bay, for the purpose of raising funds to provide Christmas gifts for the 9th West Yorkshire Regiment, who are now serving in the Dardenelles, under the command of Major R. Isaake. That strong interest is manifested by the residents of Whitley Bay in the fortunes of the various battalions in France and the Mediterranean was evidenced by the presence of a crowded audience, and a substantial amount will be available for sending out comforts to the men. An attractive programme was provided by the Band of the Prince of Wales' Own (West Yorkshire Regiment), under the leadership of Mr. James J. Connors, L.R.A.M.; Madame Bertha Moore of London, Miss Frances Trayne (soprano), Miss Mabel Leslie (elocutionist), Mr Charles Wade (baritone), and Mr F. Batters (comedian). The last named artistes represented the "Nobodies," a popular company of entertainers appearing at the Kursaal. Messrs Ambro and Houghton, the proprietors of the Kursaal, were warmly thanked for the loan of the building, and the artistes, whose various members met with unstinted appreciation, were also the recipients of hearty recognition for the gratuitous services. Strong features of the programme were the performances of the band who rendered amongst other items, "Pagliacci" and "Tannhauser" with much ability. A concert of a like character will be presented on Sunday, December 5, on behalf of West Yorkshires in France.
On the same theme, this article appeared in the Whitley Seaside Chronicle and Visitors' Gazette Saturday 20/11/1915:
It is pleasant to know that an early effort is to be made to provide welcome Christmas gifts for the gallant men of Whitley's own West Yorks now in France or Flanders. In this matter, now that Christmas is within so measurable a distance, it is quite imperative that if such gifts are to greet our soldier boys at the accepted time, not a day should be lost. Let it not be forgotten that with the possibility of a quarter of a million or more parcels seeking transport to the camps and trenches in the course of a few short weeks, congestion, more or less, is inevitable as the Xmas week draws near. So, then, on Wednesday week, December 1st, at 3 o'clock in the afternoon, a special matinee, with the foregoing kindly objective, is to be given in the Kursaal, most willingly placed at the disposal of the promoters by the proprietors, Messrs. Ambro and Houghton. There will - it goes without saying - be a great audience to enjoy the great entertainment, further particulars of which will appear in our next week's issue.
Hull Daily Mail - Monday 13/04/1925 and the Whitley Seaside Chronicle and Visitors' Gazette - Saturday, 11/04/1925:
BUCHANAN-HOUGHTON.- On April 9th Major Robert B. Buchanan, M.C. son of the late Robert Buchanan, of Hull, to Hylda L. Houghton, wife of late George Houghton of Whitley Bay.
In 1939 Hilda [Hylda], Louise Buchanan, [son of the late Robert Buchanan, of Hull], on the 9th April 1925, [born on the 21st July 1894 who was a Sales Supplier Of Boilers]. They resided at Flat 30, Albermorle, Wimbledon Park Side , Wandsworth, London, with her son from her first marriage George Basil Houghton who was by now a Cinema Equipment seller.
It turns out that his son was also an entertainer and became the Manager of the Kursaal/Playhouse. Hilda and Robert Buchanan also continued to be involved with the Kursaal after George's untimely death.
Kursaal (in Germany) a public building at a spa, in which entertainment is provided. from Kur ('cure') and Saal ('hall').
Rev. David Youngson has submitted the following:
2nd Lieutenant (TP) George Houghton
The Prince of Wales’s Own
(West Yorkshire Regiment) 12th Battalion
Attached Dorsetshire Regiment 6th Battalion
A Vocalist he was Initiated into 2821 Whitley Lodge, Masonic Hall, Norham Road, Whitley Bayon the 27th March 1914; Passed 24th April 1914 and Raised on the 22nd May 1914. He was killed in action on the 27th August 1918 aged 36. He was the husband of Hilda L. Houghton of 16 Illfracombe Gardens, Monkseaton, Northumberland he is buried in Warlencourt British Cemetery, Pas de Calais, France, Grave Reference VII.G.22.
In his will Administration (with Will) Newcastle Upon Tyne dated 10th March to Hilda Houghton (Widow) Effects £785 4s.
There is also a George Houghton Memorial Cup at Whitley Bay Golf Club.
George Houghton is remembered at Whitley Bay on W84.01, W84.14 and W84.22 and W84.35
6th Battalion Dorsetshire Regiment
The CWGC entry for 2nd Lieutenant Houghton
