In St. Saviour’s Churchyard is the Commonwealth War Grave with a private headstone of Able Seaman George Winwood, serving with the Royal Navy who died 28/08/1914.
The headstone reads:-
In memoriam
George
beloved son of
George and Annie Winwood
Shotton Colliery
killed in action
in the first naval battle
of the great European War
on HMS Arethusa
Friday Aug 28th 1914
aged 23 years
A faithful and loyal son of his
church, home and country.
for Christ and at his Country’s call
he gave his life.
In loving memory of
Annie
beloved wife of
George Winwood
who died 3rd Nov. 1917
Also the above
George
beloved husband of
Jane Winwood
died Jan. 13th 1951
aged 88 years
Also
Edward Dodds
beloved husband of
Sarah Ann Winwood
died April 29th 1960
aged 87 years
A.B., J. 2550 H.M.S. Arethusa; killed in action in the Heligoland Bight, 28 Aug. 1914.
(de Ruvigny’s Roll of Honour, part one, page 383)
Colin Boyd has added the following:
George was born on 03/04/1891 in Bowburn, Co. Durham, the son of George and Annie Winwood and was working as a watchmaker when he enlisted in the Royal Navy. He was described as being 5 feet 4 inches tall with auburn hair, grey eyes and a fresh complexion.
George was killed in action on board the light cruiser HMS Arethusa during the Battle of Heligoland Bight on 28/08/1914. The ship was badly damaged by German cruisers and had to be towed into port after suffering 11 dead and 17 wounded.
When George’s effects were forwarded his mother Annie was living at 12, Arden Street, Shotton Colliery.
The Hartlepool Northern Daily Mail 02/09/1914 reports:-
A SHOTTON VICTIM OF THE NAVAL BATTLE
The interment took place this afternoon in the Shotton Colliery Churchyard of George Winwood, one of crew of H.M.S. Arethusa, who was killed in the action in Heligoland Bight on Friday last. He was the son of Mr. G. Winwood, deputy overman of 12 Arden-street, Shotton Colliery, and was 23 years of age, having served for about six years in the Navy. There was a large attendance at the funeral, the service being conducted the Rev. E. Fenton. The Shotton Colliery Band headed the procession playing “Abide with Me,” and eight members of the Ambulance Brigade acted as bearers. The Northumberland Hussars provided a firing party. Among the beautiful wreaths were floral tributes from the Arethusa’s officers and from deceased’s messmates.
George Winwood is remembered at Shotton Colliery on S125.01 and S125.02 and in our List of Ships’ Crews.
