Peterborough & The Great War

Biography

Herbert George was born in Radford, Nottinghamshire in 1897, the son of William, a bricklayer, and Matilda (Goulder).  He was the youngest of nine children.

In 1901, Herbert (4) was living at 17 Lawrence Road, Radford Nottingham with his parents and four siblings,  the three eldest all worked in the tobacco industry.  By 1911, the family had moved to 76 Garfield Road, Radford and Herbert’s occupation was listed as a chemist shop assistant (aged 14).

Herbert enlisted as a Private in the 2/7 Battalion Duke of Wellington’s (West Riding) Regiment, rising to the rank of Lance Corporal.  Herbert passed through Peterborough East Station twice, firstly on 3 July 1916 and then again on 22 October 1916 when he wrote in the visitors’ book “Called and enjoyed his refreshments at the G E Soldiers rest Room and tenders his thanks
for the Kindness shown to him by the Lady attendants, and wishes them the Best of Luck.”  (The visitors’ book can be searched by date).

No service record survived for Herbert, but we know that he was killed in action on 28 March 1918, and is buried in Pommier Communal Cemetery, Pas de Calais, France.  He was awarded the British War and Allied Victory Medals.  He is also commemorated on the War Memorial in St Peters Church, Radford.

Did you have a relative called Herbert who worked in a chemists in Radford? Please get in touch if this story sounds familiar.