100 Years Ago Today: Private George Vinton Killed in Action
Aug 27, 2014 13:14:12 GMT
Post by prospectroad on Aug 27, 2014 13:14:12 GMT
Private George Vinton of Cadishead was killed in action 100 years ago today. The below is his story:
Private George Vinton (Service no. 7806) served with the 2nd Battalion, The Royal Munster Fusiliers, 1st Brigade, 1st Division. He was one of the few professional soldiers from the Irlam and Cadishead area, having previously served in the Royal Munster Fusiliers for several years. He had been discharged into the reserve before the start of the First World War.
His parents, George and Caroline, were born in Hull in 1864 and 1863 respectively. They had six children: George, Eva, Charles, Caroline, Emily and Selina. George, their eldest, was born in Hull in 1884. The family moved from Hull to 30 Hayes Road, Cadishead, sometime before 1901. George married Edith Mary Beck and set up home at 39 Atherton Lane, Cadishead. They had two children, George S. Vinton (born December 1912) and Edith M. Vinton (born March 1915, sadly after George’s death). George initially worked as a labourer at the CWS Soap Works before joining the Army for his ‘first stint.’ Immediately before the war, George was employed, like his father, as a coal trimmer at the Partington coaling basin, Manchester Ship Canal. He was a well-known rugby player for Cadishead Rugby Football team, playing three-quarters, and he had also taken part in several matches with the Broughton Rangers team. George was nicknamed ‘Sugar’ on account of his high energy levels. He is reputed to have carried a small child on his back while training for the Rugby team. The Vinton family attended St Mary’s C of E Church, Cadishead.
As a reservist, George was recalled on the outbreak of war. He rejoined at Manchester, and was posted to the 2nd Battalion of his old regiment, then stationed at Malplaquet Barracks, Aldershot. The battalion sailed from Southampton to France on 13th August on board the troopship, Dunvegan Castle.
In what was probably his last letter home, George wrote: ‘Dear wife and children, just a few lines to let you know I am getting on all right at present. Dear wife you must excuse paper. I received your letter two weeks ago. I was glad to hear from you. I am not allowed to tell you where I am. All letters are sent by command by our officer but you can write to this address. It will find me in France. Remember me to all at home and to say I am glad to hear she has been very good to you. We are having very fine weather out here and have plenty of work. Remember me to all the family. I am sorry I cannot let you know about the place – not allowed – but will when I return, if the Lord spares me.’
George was killed two weeks later on 27th August 1914 during the famous rearguard action at Etreux when his battalion held up the German advance before being overwhelmed by nine German battalions. Despite the unequal odds, the battalion held out for several hours, only surrendering when their ammunition was practically exhausted and only a small number of men remained unhurt. Their actions that day secured the safe withdrawal of the rest of the Division and the men were praised by the Germans for their bravery.
The battalion’s survivors, under German supervision, buried their comrades on 28th August 1914. These men were then sent off to prisoner of war camps. At first there was some confusion over the casualties and his wife only received official notification of his death in May 1915: ‘Infantry Records, Cork Station, May 7th 1915, Madam, - It is my painful duty to inform you that a report has been received from the War Office notifying the death of (No.) 7806 Private G. Vinton, 2nd Battalion, Royal Munster Fusiliers, which occurred on the 27th of August, 1914, and I am to express to you the sympathy and regret of the Army Council at your loss. The cause of death was ‘killed in action’ – I am, Madam, Your obedient servant, F. G. Hayes, Captain, Officer in charge of Records.’
George was the first person from Irlam district to be killed in the war. He is buried in the Etreux British Cemetery in France. The cemetery is in an orchard on the Landrecies road, beyond the railway line, and very close to the site of the last stand of the battalion. The battalion memorial, a Celtic cross (erected by the mother of one of the Munster’s officers), is also located here.
Private George Vinton (Service no. 7806) served with the 2nd Battalion, The Royal Munster Fusiliers, 1st Brigade, 1st Division. He was one of the few professional soldiers from the Irlam and Cadishead area, having previously served in the Royal Munster Fusiliers for several years. He had been discharged into the reserve before the start of the First World War.
His parents, George and Caroline, were born in Hull in 1864 and 1863 respectively. They had six children: George, Eva, Charles, Caroline, Emily and Selina. George, their eldest, was born in Hull in 1884. The family moved from Hull to 30 Hayes Road, Cadishead, sometime before 1901. George married Edith Mary Beck and set up home at 39 Atherton Lane, Cadishead. They had two children, George S. Vinton (born December 1912) and Edith M. Vinton (born March 1915, sadly after George’s death). George initially worked as a labourer at the CWS Soap Works before joining the Army for his ‘first stint.’ Immediately before the war, George was employed, like his father, as a coal trimmer at the Partington coaling basin, Manchester Ship Canal. He was a well-known rugby player for Cadishead Rugby Football team, playing three-quarters, and he had also taken part in several matches with the Broughton Rangers team. George was nicknamed ‘Sugar’ on account of his high energy levels. He is reputed to have carried a small child on his back while training for the Rugby team. The Vinton family attended St Mary’s C of E Church, Cadishead.
As a reservist, George was recalled on the outbreak of war. He rejoined at Manchester, and was posted to the 2nd Battalion of his old regiment, then stationed at Malplaquet Barracks, Aldershot. The battalion sailed from Southampton to France on 13th August on board the troopship, Dunvegan Castle.
In what was probably his last letter home, George wrote: ‘Dear wife and children, just a few lines to let you know I am getting on all right at present. Dear wife you must excuse paper. I received your letter two weeks ago. I was glad to hear from you. I am not allowed to tell you where I am. All letters are sent by command by our officer but you can write to this address. It will find me in France. Remember me to all at home and to say I am glad to hear she has been very good to you. We are having very fine weather out here and have plenty of work. Remember me to all the family. I am sorry I cannot let you know about the place – not allowed – but will when I return, if the Lord spares me.’
George was killed two weeks later on 27th August 1914 during the famous rearguard action at Etreux when his battalion held up the German advance before being overwhelmed by nine German battalions. Despite the unequal odds, the battalion held out for several hours, only surrendering when their ammunition was practically exhausted and only a small number of men remained unhurt. Their actions that day secured the safe withdrawal of the rest of the Division and the men were praised by the Germans for their bravery.
The battalion’s survivors, under German supervision, buried their comrades on 28th August 1914. These men were then sent off to prisoner of war camps. At first there was some confusion over the casualties and his wife only received official notification of his death in May 1915: ‘Infantry Records, Cork Station, May 7th 1915, Madam, - It is my painful duty to inform you that a report has been received from the War Office notifying the death of (No.) 7806 Private G. Vinton, 2nd Battalion, Royal Munster Fusiliers, which occurred on the 27th of August, 1914, and I am to express to you the sympathy and regret of the Army Council at your loss. The cause of death was ‘killed in action’ – I am, Madam, Your obedient servant, F. G. Hayes, Captain, Officer in charge of Records.’
George was the first person from Irlam district to be killed in the war. He is buried in the Etreux British Cemetery in France. The cemetery is in an orchard on the Landrecies road, beyond the railway line, and very close to the site of the last stand of the battalion. The battalion memorial, a Celtic cross (erected by the mother of one of the Munster’s officers), is also located here.
