GEORGE JESSE FRANCIS GREENWOOD
Image from 1915 Suffolk Chronicle & Mercury newspaper.
Born: 7th September 1883, Colchester, Essex.
Baptised: 4th November 1883, at St. Giles Church, Colchester. Parents; George & Emma Greenwood.
Died: 9th April 1915; age 31; KiA at Aubers near Neuve Chapelle – whilst turning away from examining the enemy’s position through his glasses, and was necessarily exposing himself to some risk. He was doing his duty cheerfully and bravely.
George joined the 1st Volunteer Battalion, Suffolk Regiment (which in 1907 became the 4th Territorial Battalion of the Suffolk Regiment). On the outbreak of war he volunteered for the foreign service, and went to France. He was home on a few days leave in April, returning to the Front on the 6th, and was killed in action three days later.
Residence: 53, Newton Road, Ipswich.
Occupation: Clerk at Brown & Co., Timber Merchant’s, Ipswich.
Date of Entry Therein: 8th November 1914.
Rank: Sergeant; Service Number: 89.
Regiment: Suffolk Regiment, 4th Battalion.
Medals Awarded: Victory, British War & 1914 Star + Volunteer Long Service Medal.
His body was originally buried half a mile behind the firing line at Rue de Bacquerot (Winchester Post) Military Cemetery.
Between 1920 – 1925, the body was exhumed and identified by a cross on grave, certified report, and clothing, before reburial.
Grave Reference: V.E.3.
Aubers Ridge British Cemetery,
Aubers,
France.
Buried next to his friend Company Sergeant Major Thomas Henry Frost.
Relatives Notified & Address: Son of George Joseph & Emma Ann Greenwood, of Colchester; husband of Nellie May Greenwood, of 53, Newton Road, Ipswich.
CENSUS
1891 4, South Street, St. Giles, Colchester, Essex.
George was 7 years old and living with his parents & siblings.
George Joseph Greenwood, 31, a Steam Engine Fitter, born Moulsham, Essex.
Emma Ann Greenwood (nee Butler), 31, born Moulsham.
Millicent Louisa Emma Greenwood, 5, born Colchester.
Thomas Henry Herbert Greenwood, 2, born Colchester.
1901 15, Gilberd Road, Colchester, Essex.
George was 17 years old, a Stockbroker’s Clerk. He was living with his parents & siblings.
George, 41, an Engine Fitter Foreman – Messrs. Brackett & Co., Engineers.
Emma, 41.
Millicent, 15.
Thomas, 12.
Clement Stanley Greenwood, 9, born Colchester.
Elizabeth Ellen Greenwood, 7, born Colchester.
1911 53, Newton Road, Ipswich.
George was 27 years old, a Timber Merchant’s Clerk – Foreign Timber Importers. He was married and Head of the Household.
Nellie, 26.
George, 2.
Educated at the Bluecoat School, Colchester.
George was a well-known member of the Felixstowe Rifle Club, and a prize winner at the county meeting.
On the 2nd September 1907, St. Botolph’s Church, Colchester, Essex, George married Nellie May Woods, born November 1884, Colchester.
They had 2 children:
George Charles Greenwood, born June 1908, Ipswich
Millicent Alice Greenwood, born April 1912, Ipswich.
Soldiers’ Effects to Nellie May Greenwood – widow.
Probate to Nellie May Greenwood – widow.
4th SUFFOLKS SERGEANT KILLED April 1915.
SERGT. GREENWOOD
Sergt. E.J.G. Greenwood, of C Company, 4th Suffolks, was killed in action on April 8th, when the battalion was again in the firing line. He was a good shot, and a well-known member of Felixstowe Rifle Club, and a prize-winner at the county meeting. He was employed by Messrs. Brown, timber merchants, Ipswich.
“A Miniature Rifleman” writes:- “By the death of Sergt. E.J.G.Greenwood, Ipswich has lost one of it’s best shots, and the 4th Suffolks a smart non-commissioned officer. Those who were accustomed to meeting Sergt. Greenwood at the Miniature Rifle Range will always remember his sporting spirit, and splendid marksmanship.”
The Battle of Neuve Chapelle 10th – 13th March 1915 was the first planned British offensive of the war. The objective was to take the German line at the Village of Neueve Chapelle and break out and head towards the City of Lille, with the main objective taking the Aubers Ridge beyond which was of strategic value. The Battle started well with a heavy bombardment of the German line (more shells fired on this occasion than the entire Boer War) with an advance which successfully took most of the first and second line trenches, but due to poor communications stalled once the village had been taken. The Germans then had time to set up more defensive lines outside of the village and hold the British advance. 40,000 British and Indian troops took part in the Battle with over 10,000+ Casualties.
Suffolk Regiment, 4th Battalion
The 4th Battalion the Suffolk Regiment entered the battle on the 11th of March taking up positions on the out skirts of the Neuve Chapelle facing the Bois Du Biez which later were ordered to occupy. The 4th Battalion lost many men through shelling on their positions followed by a counter attack on the 12th by the Germans. In total the Battalion sustained 217 casualties.
Leave a Reply