Name
George William Elsdon
24/04/1896
Conflict
First World War
Date of Death / Age
17/07/1918
22
Rank, Service Number & Service Details
Lance Bombardier
62637
Royal Field Artillery
'D' Bty., 51st Bde.
Awards: Service Medals/Honour Awards
1914 /15 Star, British War and Victory medals
Cemetery/Memorial: Name/Reference/Country
CAESTRE MILITARY CEMETERY
I. D. 5.
France
Headstone Inscription
A PLACE IS VACANT IN OUR HOME WHICH NEVER CAN BE FILLED
UK & Other Memorials
Not on the Aldbury memorials
Pre War
George William ELSDON was born in Acton, Middlesex, on 24th April 1896, son of Charles Elsdon a Labourer and Harriet Elsdon (nee Barnes). One of their ten children although one died in infancy.
George was Baptised on 29th May 1896, at Saint Saviours, Shepherds Bush, Middx.
1901 Census records George aged 5, living with his parents, three sisters and two brothers at 15 Grove Road, Acton, Middx.
1911 Census, George (14), his parents, three sisters and brother Horace (6), are now living at 6 Meon Road, Acton, Middx.
George married Doris Vida Brant the daughter of Henry and Jane Brant of Winfield, Berkshire, on 27th September 1916, at the Parish Church of St. Mary, Acton, Middx.
Wartime Service
The SDITGW records George enlisted at Newport, Monmouthshire, posted to the Royal Field Artillery with the service No. 62637.
On completion of his training George was sent to France, arrived on 10th May 1915. He was Killed in Action on 17th July 1918, aged 22. At the time of his death, he was serving with “D” Battery, 51st Brigade, Royal Field Artillery. He is buried in Caestre Military Cemetery, France. Grave Ref: I. D. 5.
Additional Information
Doris was awarded a grant of £5, on 19th September 1918, a widow’s pension of 13s/9d, a week from 3rd February 1919, and his effects of £20-18s-11d, pay owing and his war gratuity of £16-10s-00d.
His Headstone inscription “A PLACE IS VACANT IN OUR HOME WHICH NEVER CAN BE FILLED” was requested by his widow Doris, who was now living in Aldbury, Herts.
1921 Census records Doris as a widow, employed as a Domestic Servant for Colonel Norman Thwaites and his family at “Barley End” Aldbury, Tring, Herts.
Acknowledgments
Stuart Osborne
Jonty Wild
