No.75629, Lieutenant, George EVERITT
Aged 28
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George Everitt was born in Tunstall on 8th march 1887 (2nd qtr 1887 Plomesgate 4a:887), son of William Summons and Clara EVERITT (née PETCH)
1891 census...Aged 4, he was at Snape Road, Tunstall with his father William S. EVERITT [38] Stationmaster, born Elmstead Market; his mother Clara [34] born Culford; brother Francis [6]; sisters Daisy [2] and Ellen [4 months]; aunt Emma PETCH [44] born Culford. All the children were born in Tunstall. 1901 census...Aged 14, a carpenter's apprentice, he was at Snape Bridge with his parents; brothers Walter J.[8], William C. [6] and Hubert E. [4]; sisters Daisy, Ellen and Clara E. [1]. The new siblings also all born in Tunstall. 1911 census...Not found in this census, perhaps already gone to Canada? His parents were at Welnetham Railway Station with his sisters Ellen (caretaker at Halstead Poor Law Union) and Clara Elizabeth; brothers William Cecil (wheelwright's apprentice) and Hubert Edwin. Although there is no mention of Cockfield at this stage, his father eventually became stationmaster at Cockfield and the address there features in his Canadian Army records after 1914.. |
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He attested in Vancouver on 11th December 1914, giving his date of birth as 8th March 1887, a contractor, next of kin, his mother Clara
of Welnetham. 5 feet 8 inches tall, chest 35 to 38 inches, weighing 158 lbs, brown eyes and hair, Church of England. He embarked for UK on 20th May 1915 with 29th Battalion. At Shorncliffe on 5th June promoted Lance Corporal and at Otterpool Camp on 15th September promoted Corporal. Embarked for France on 17th September 1915. Granted 14 days special leave on 24th January 1916 for heroic rescue work. Promoted Lance Sergeant 8th May 1916 and Sergeant on 9th May 1916. Appointed Temporary Lieutenant in the 29th Battalion on 29th August 1916 and killed in action on 25th September 1916. His "circumstances of death " card states:- "While leading his platoon to their positions in the trenches in front of Courcelette, on the night of September 25th 1916, he was hit in the head and instantly killed by a bullet from an enemy rifle." Here is a letter he wrote the day he was killed:- France Sept.25 Dear Dad, I enclose herewith my will. Am just going out on a rather ticklish job. I am making you sole legatee and will tell you as nearly as I can how I stand. There is my cottage in the North Arm for which I have the deed. I think there is a mortgage of $150 on it. Lyell and Co. of Vancouver have the papers. There is a life policy for $5,000, about $700 of which will be needed to pay my debts in Vancouver. I also owe Frank about $90 and Frances about $40 in addition to £25 which you have I believe at home. There is about £60 to my credit at the Bank Of Montreal in London, please use it as you think best. The cottage should sell for a bit - It cost me $2,500. When things are squared you might give Frances $500 as a present from me. I hate this sort of business, but suppose it is necessary or otherwise the money and property would be difficult to claim and would be no use to anyone. Please don't worry or let Mother worry about me. Before you get this I shall either be dead, wounded or safely back. Hoping you and Mother and Betty are keeping well. Your loving son, George. . That letter was sent to Mr W.S. Everitt, Cockfield, Suffolk, England.
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