George Henry Rhodes - Grandad and Soldier

A TRIBUTE TO

GEORGE HENRY RHODES

1892-1961

GRANDAD AND PRIVATE 12430 2ND BATTALLION WORCESTERSHIRE REGIMENT 1909-1916

The man who was destined to become "grandad" arrived in the world on 25th October 1892. George was born in Cuckoo Rd, Aston, Birmingham. Until early 1892 his parents Elisha & Sarah had lived in Wollaston,Stourbridge. As George was their fourth child it is likely that they moved into Birmingham for work.

Five more children followed after George. In 1905 George's father died of consumption leaving his mother to raise eight children aged between 1 and 20 years old that still lived at home.

The oldest son, John married in 1906 taking an income out of the household. George's mother worked as a charwoman and also received some financial help from the church poor fund.. Within a short time the rent fell into arrears and the family were under threat of being thrown onto the street.

The oldest married daughter, Julia took her mother and siblings into her home but sadly Julia died in childbirth in 1906 aged just 23. Shortly afterwards Julia's husband left the marital home taking with him most of the furniture and household effects. Once again Sarah and her children were destitute.

George was aged 14 and unemployed when his younger sister and 2 of his younger brothers were placed in care due to Sarah's poor financial state.

In 1908 Sarah remarried. George and his 2 younger siblings went to live with their mother and stepfather. Just 17 months after re marriage Sarah died of heart failure. Months before she died, the 3 children in care were sent to Canada as "Home children".

George signed up to enter the army on 1st March 1909 in Wednesbury, receiving the Kings Shilling. Why he was in Wednesbury has not yet been discovered .

He served 4 years in India at Ahmednagar and Jhansi British posts. He returned to Aldershot in 1913 where he prepared for war and in 1914 was sent to Belgium and France. George received battle injuries at High Wood on the Somme. High Wood was known as the rottenest place on the Somme. "Ghastly by day and Ghostly by night".

It was situated midway between Martinpuich and Longueval, directly opposite Bazentin Le Petit.

George was awarded the 1914 Star, The Allied Victory Medal and the British War Medal. He was also awarded the Silver War Badge.

On the 25th October 1917 George married Florence Emily Hayward at St James's Church, Wednesbury. They had 11 children and remained in Wednesbury.

Thank you to second cousin John Shermer for the information on George Henry's placements throughout his army service.

Thank you also to Ian Mould of the Western Front Association for filling in the historic background, which has allowed us to understand exactly where Grandad was injured.