George Fairless Ayre
Ayre family
Northumberland Fusiliers Badge
George Fairless Ayre was born in Northumberland in about 1890 to parents John Alexander and Isabella (nee Fairless) Ayre. The census returns, which check out, for George in 1891, 1901 and 1911, show he was born at the following places Benwell, Newcastle and Bedlington (recording errors).
He was married on 29th May 1909 to Jane Ann Wardlaw when living at 15, Shinny Row, Bedlington. In 1911, the family were living in Foggan’s Yard, Bedlington. At the time of his enlistment he was a bricklayer’s labourer and it appears he was living at the Old Hall, Bedlington. Information in the Record of Enlistments indicates he joined the Northumberland Fusiliers and served at home. No further military information could be traced.
The death certificate for George reveals he died 21st March 1919 at Old Hall, Bedlington. He was 29 years old, employed as a colliery labourer above ground and an army pensioner. The cause of death was endocarditis nephritis; his death was informed by his brother in law Fred Wardlaw who lived at Foggans Yard, Bedlington.
It is not clear how long George served but after leaving the army, possibly medically discharged, he would have had to continue working to support his wife and two children who are shown in the photo.
The burial details for this soldier have not been located.
