Name
George Thomas Collett
Conflict
First World War
Date of Death / Age
15/09/1916
21
Rank, Service Number & Service Details
Private
4979
Royal Fusiliers *1
1st (City of London) Bn.
Awards: Service Medals/Honour Awards
British War and Victory medals
Cemetery/Memorial: Name/Reference/Country
THIEPVAL MEMORIAL
Pier and Face 9C annd 16B
France
Headstone Inscription
Not Researched
UK & Other Memorials
Not on the Rickmansworth memorials
Pre War
George was born in 1895 in Mile End Old Town the son of Charles John and Eliza Hannah (nee Cartwright) Collett.
His father was a Photographer, in 1901 living with his wife and family at 77 Studley Road, West Ham. In 1911 they were at 4 Leopold Street George at age 15 being an Errand Boy.
When he died his parents were living at 25 Station Road, Rickmansworth.
Recorded as enlisting in Handel Street, London.
Wartime Service
The Battalion was mobilised on the outbreak of war, split into the 1st/1st and 2nd/1st and posted to Malta.
They returned to England early in 1915 and then, in March, to France joining 25th Brigade 8th Division south of Armentieres. Redesignated the 1st (City of London) Battalion The London Regiment (Royal Fusiliers) in 1916 joining 167th Brigade 56th (1st London) Division.
George probably lost his life on the first day of the Battle of Flers-Courcelette (notable for the first use of tanks by the British) while his unit was attacking Bouleaux Wood.
Additional Information
*1 London Regiment (Royal
Fusiliers)
Acknowledgments
Malcolm Lennox, Mike Collins
