Historic Records Men of 1914

Arrived overseas: 30 October 1914. Connection: Medal group comprising 1914 Star trio. Almost immediately after Britain went to war with Germany in August 1914, the War Office realised that they had a shortage of men in key areas. As the British Expeditionary Force was assembling and being shipped out to France, and before Lord Kitchener had had time to draft his appeal, adverts started appearing in newspapers for drivers, chauffeurs, dockers and othere manual labourers. George Hammond was working as a docker in London. He'd married Sarah Alice Pittwell at St Michael's church, Stockwell, on the 2nd August 1914, and two days later Britain was at war. George must have volunteered for service shortly afterwards because by 30th October 1914 he was overseas with No 5 Labour Company, Army Service Corps. He remained with the regiment until 28 September 1917 when he transferred to the 15th Royal Irish Rifles (regimental number 47341). He was reported missing in action on the 21st March ...