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George Thomas Holwell was born 26 Jun 1886, at Taylor's Yard, Flemingate, Beverley, the second son of John Thomas Holwell and his wife Kate, nee Addy. They were a family of nine children, six boys and three girls.In 1906, aged 20, George enlisted in the 1st Battalion York and Lancaster Regiment thus beginning a life-time of service as a professional soldier. In Aug 1914, Sergeant George Thomas Holwell embarked for France. In Nov 1914 at Touquet, near Bois Grenier, George was wounded and invalided home. Writing from hospital to his parents, in a letter which was published in the Beverley Guardian, George described being under continuous fire for forty-nine hours and his encounter with Germans dressed in British uniform who attempted to infiltrate the trench. The index finger of his left-hand was shot off and he received a deep bayonet wound in his leg. He reassured his parents his wounds were healing well and "It won't interfere with my soldiering". Before returning to France he married Elsie Mary Ellerker, daughter of William and Annie Jane Ellerker of Lockington
George survived the war. He held the position of Provost Sergeant and returned with the East Yorkshire Regiment to Victoria Barracks, Beverley. Upon retirement from the army in 1927, having completed 21 years service with the colours, he joined the East Yorkshire Constabulary for two years, after which he was appointed County Court Bailiff, a civilian post he held until his death in 1949. He was commissioned Lieutenant, 25 Nov 1942, into the Territorial Reserve of Officers, Army Cadet Force.
Lieutenant George Thomas Holwell died on the parade ground on 7 Jun 1949 during an annual inspection at Victoria Barracks. Following a funeral service in Beverley Minster he was buried with military honours in Queensgate Cemetery, Beverley. George left a widow, Elsie, and four sons, Thomas William, Gordon R, Victor Colin and Harry.
Includes photograph, information taken from census, military records, Commonwealth War Graves, newspapers |