| Description | Work completed by volunteer includes the following information:
George was born in Beverley in early 1884, one of six children born to George Cross (1848-1920) and his wife Mary (1851-1900). George’s father originated in Oxfordshire and had served in the Royal Marines but was now a tanner’s labourer; his mother was from Philipstown in Ireland. The family lived at Victoria Place on Keldgate. Nothing is known of George’s upbringing but he did become a tanner’s labourer at Hodgson’s in Beverley. He was unmarried.
George served as a private in the 1st/4th Battalion of the Northumberland Fusiliers which were part of 149th Brigade in 50th Division. He had probably enlisted in 1915. George was killed in the Battle of the Somme. On September 13th 1916, the 149th were in the area of Mametz Wood and moved forward at 09.30 to assembly trenches west of High Wood. They launched an attack on German lines from there at 06.20 on September 15th 1916. Initially George was reported as missing but a letter sent by Lt Quartermaster Peter McKenna to George’s brother-in-law helped to clarify the situation.
“I have to inform you…that Pte George Cross...is now officially reported killed. I am sorry that I cannot give you any definite particulars of the death as I took command of C Company within the last few days. I can assure you that Pte Cross died in one of the most glorious actions of the war. On 15th September that battalion made a name for itself never to be forgotten and it was helping to make this name that Pte Cross so nobly gave his life.”
In fact, George’s body was not recovered and he is commemorated on the Thiepval Memorial on the Somme. He is also remembered on the Hengate Memorial and on the East Riding Memorial in the Minster. His name is also on Hodgson’s Roll of Honour. He was awarded the War and Victory Medals.
Includes information taken from census, military records, Commonwealth War Graves, newspapers |