GEORGE JAMES NOLAN
From May through to September 2026, Andrew will be fulfilling his dream to hike the iconic Land’s End to John O’Groats! You are all warmly invited to follow Andrew’s epic journey on his Facebook page, “Andrew Beal LEJOG” https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61577588795730
As Andrew hikes the 1,300+ miles, he will raise funds for the Ipswich War Memorial Project to help finance our future exhibitions and research of the brave Ipswich men and women who lost their lives in conflict. If you would like to make a small donation, please click on the link: https://gofund.me/5d4a50570
Thank you for your love and support. Andrew & Helen – I.W.M.P.
Images and extra information courtesy of the Nolan Family.
Born: 29th November 1917, at 94, Myrtle Road, Ipswich.
Father – James Nolan, was a Private, 39036 for the Royal Defence Corps.
Died: 28th March 1943; age: 25; Died of Wounds in a field ambulance. George’s tank was hit by 88mm fire during the Battle of the Mareth Line, the tank burst into flames. The crew bailed out but were running about on fire. Only 1 crew member survived.
George joined the Cavalry in 1934 because he loved horses and was upset that they were replaced with tanks. He won two cross-country events in 1941 at Aldershot before being shipped to North Africa.
George was wounded during the Battle of El Alamein; he lost fingers on his right hand.
Rank: Corporal; Service Number: 407556.
Regiment: Royal Armoured Corps, Queen’s Bays, 2nd Dragoon Guards, ‘C’ Squadron.
The body was originally buried at Mareth. On the 18th May 1944, the body was exhumed, identified by a cross marking the grave, and reburied at Sfax War Cemetery.
Grave Reference:
XIII.E.11.
Tunisia.
Relatives Notified & Address: Son of James & Lily Nolan, of 94, Myrtle Road, Ipswich; husband of Elizabeth Nolan, of Ipswich.
Father: James Nolan, born 1882, Ipswich.
Mother: Lily Maud Nolan (nee Leask), born July 1891, Ipswich.
CENSUS
1921 94, Myrtle Road, Ipswich.
George was 3 years and 6 months old and lived with his mother and sister.
Lily Nolan, 29 years & 11 months old, Home Duties.
Vera Elizabeth Rose Nolan, 9 months old, born Ipswich.
In 1938, Ipswich, George married Elizabeth Steady, born November 1917, Brightlingsea, Essex – daughter of William James Steady, a cook and baker, and Elizabeth Steady (nee Hope), of 36, Ransome Crescent, Ipswich.
Elizabeth and George had one daughter.
3 Comments
He also had a son Andrew John Nolan
Hi, this is my Uncle and I have a photo of his headstone in the sfax cemetary cared for by the commonwealth war graves comission if you would like a copy.
This is my step grandads grandad! We have an original picture of him in all of his uniform smoking a cigi!