In Cojeul British Cemetery, France is the Commonwealth War Grave of 21/318 Private George William Croft, M.M., C. de G., serving with the 15th (Service) Battalion Durham Light Infantry who died 03/05/1917.
Peter Wise and Brenda McMahon have submitted the following:-
George was born at Startforth Yorkshire where as a boy he attended Morritt Memorial School. His parents were Tom and Mary. They went on to have 10 children although 1 died.
In 1901 the family were living at 4 Pearson Terrace Barnard Castle where they stayed for several years. Father Tom was a baker by trade (bread). George’s siblings included John, Ernest, Thomas, Walter, Mary and Stanley, then later sisters Molly and Nancy.
Father Thomas died in November 1901. The 2 older lads were now working.
George worked in the town at the firm of Winpenny and Sons, a gentleman’s outfitter’s business. He was employed as a hosier’s assistant. His brother, Tom, also worked in general drapery. In addition to the family they also had a boarder staying with them in 1911 which brought in more income.
George enlisted at Barnard Castle as did his brothers. His records show he attested on the 20th November 1915. He was 5 feet 6 inches tall and his religion was Primitive Methodist. He was posted on the 15th September 1916 then subsequently sent to France 25th October 1916, arriving via Etaples 19th November 1916. On the day before his posting to France George signed a will leaving all his effects and property to his mother.
In January 1917 and again in March 1917 he was treated for the effects of influenza but soon returned to his battalion. He survived in France for only 7 months before he was killed. His total service amounted to 1 year 165 days.
His military service was outstanding as he was often praised for his heroic actions. He had been commended for his conspicuous bravery in the field on April 10. Just 3 weeks before he was killed the Major-General of the 21st Division highlighted George’s distinguished actions on the battlefield.
Sadly a few weeks later he was killed in action on May 3rd 1917. George was killed by a bursting shell whilst he was signalling a telephone message. The personal items George was carrying at that time – pocket case, photos and cards were returned to his family.
He was posthumously awarded the Military Medal and the French Croix de Guerre with Palms for performing his heroic deeds in combat.
His mother added the following inscription to his headstone :- Croix de Guerre with Palms. Loved, Honoured and Remembered.
In December 1917 a packed hall in Barnard Castle applauded Mrs Croft as her son’s medals were pinned on to her chest by the Chairman of the Town Council.
The Teesdale Mercury reported on the presentation describing him as a son of the esteemed widow, Mrs Croft. A reference was made to Mrs Croft’s two other sons in the army, one of whom had been discharged, invalided after taking part in several engagements. Two sons were in Canada (John and Ernest) and a daughter was working on munitions.
George was also described as being an intelligent and courteous man who was killed in heroic acts whilst signalling.
The Gazette 30135 reporting award of Military Medal; Gazette 30184 reporting award of Croix de Guerre and Palms
George William Croft is remembered at Barnard Castle on B135.02, B135.13, B135.23 and B135.25, also at Durham in the D.L.I. Book of Remembrance, page 107.
