GEORGE WILLIAM READ
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.
Born: 9th April 1889, St. Clement’s, Ipswich.
Baptised on the 25th July 1889, at St. Clement’s Church, Ipswich, with sister Gertrude Maud Read, born 4th February 1886 – family home at 7, Hamilton Street, Ipswich.
Died: 13th July 1917; age 28; after a long and painful illness, died of Tubercle of the Lungs, at the Isolation Hospital, Foxhall Road, Ipswich. Served 8 years & 82 days.
Residence: 41, Turin Street, Ipswich.
Occupation: a Butcher.
Enlistment Details: Location: Ipswich; date: 18th November 1907; age: 19 years; religion: CofE. Next of Kin: father – James Read, of 26, Cavendish Street, Ipswich. Height: 5ft 63/8 ins, fresh complexion, blue eyes & brown hair. Tattooed on both arms.
Service:
Home: 18th November 1907 – 28th September 1909
India: 29th September 1909 – 14th October 1914
B.E.F.: 15th October 1914 – 10th August 1915
Home: 11th August 1915 – 7th February 1916.
Passed Shoeing Smith – 1st July 1910.
Promoted to Corporal – 11th November 1913.
Tubercle of the Lungs – Originated in June 1915 at Champagne. Prior to June, he had always enjoyed good health. The disease is permanent and will potentially get worse.
Discharged: 7th February 1916 – Curragh Camp, Ireland; age: 27 years & 3 months. Intended place of residence: 41, Turin Street, Ipswich. Height: 5 ft 8 ins. Served 8 years & 82 days during which there was no entry on his conduct sheet. Character – Very Good.
Rank: Shoeing Smith/Corporal; Service Number: 1620
Regiment: 8th (King’s Royal Irish) Hussars, ‘B’ Squadron.
Medals Awarded: Victory, British War & 1914 Star and Silver War Badge.
Grave Reference:
LL.I.94.
Ipswich.
Relatives Notified & Address: Son of James Read, of Ipswich.
CENSUS
1891 21, Hill Street, Ipswich.
George was 3 years old and living with his parents & sisters.
James Read, 35, a Steam Ship Stoker, born Ipswich.
Mary Ann Read (nee Green), 34, born Ipswich.
Mary Ann Read, 16, a Stay Maker, born Ipswich.
Caroline Jane Read, 14, born Ipswich.
Jane Ann Read, 11, born Ipswich.
Ellen May Read, 6, born Ipswich.
Gertrude Mabel Read, 5, born Ipswich.
1901 21, Hill Street, Ipswich.
George was 13 years old, an Errand Boy. He was living with his widowed father & sisters.
James, 45, a Seaman.
Ellen, 18, a Sewing Machinist – Clothing Factory.
Gertie, 16, a Card Box Maker.
1911 India.
George was 23 years old, a Shoeing Smith, for the viii (King’s Royal Rifles) Hussars.
George’s mother, Mary Ann Read, died in July 1900 at her home, 21, Hill Street, Ipswich and was buried on the 30th July.
Soldiers’ Effects to James Read – father.
8th (King’s Royal Irish) Hussars, ‘B’ Squadron
August 1914: in Ambala, India, part of the Ambala Cavalry Brigade. Moved with the Brigade to France as part of the 1st Indian Cavalry Division, landed at Marseilles on the 10th November 1914. 15 September 1915: transferred with brigade to 2nd Indian Cavalry Division. 26 November 1916: 2nd Indian Cavalry Division renamed as 5th Cavalry Division.
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