Source: Michael Doyle Their Name Liveth For Evermore: The Great War Roll of Honour for Leicestershire and Rutland.
He was the son of William Webb, a labourer, born 1862 in Gayton, Northamptonshire and his wife Mary Ann Webb (nee Crane, married on the 1st July 1882 in the Parish Church, Dunton Bassett, Leicestershire), born 1863 in Dunton Bassett, Leicestershire. George William, a schoolboy, was born in the 1st quarter of 1885 in Dunton Bassett, his siblings were Emma Crane, a schoolgirl, born 1883, Carrie Elizabeth, a schoolgirl, born 27th February 1887 and Leonard, born in the 3rd quarter of 1889, all his siblings were born in Dunton Bassett, also residing in the family home was his paternal Uncle, Mark Webb, a labourer, born 1873 in Gayton, in April 1891 the family home was at Dunton Bassett. In March 1901 George was absent from the family home at Dunton Bassett, residing there was his father, a farm cattle man, his mother and siblings, Emma, a hosiery trade worker, Leonard, Mark, born 2nd November 1894, Alfred, born in the 2nd quarter of 1897 and Lewis, born 1901, the latter three siblings were all born in Dunton Bassett, George was employed as a cement works labourer and was residing as a boarder at 43, Lawford Road, New Bilton, Warwickshire. In April 1911 George was employed as a bricklayer’s labourer and was residing in the family home at Dunton Bassett, together with his father, a farm cowman, his mother and siblings, Alfred, a farm ploughboy and Lewis, a schoolboy. George also had another younger sister, Lucy Ann, who was born 29th January 1893 in Dunton Bassett. On the 8th April 1912 George married Carrie Webb in the Parish Church, Woodford, Northamptonshire, Carrie was born on the 14th July 1883, they had two children, Lucy Ellen, born on the 22nd February 1913 and Leonard George, born on the 26th September 1914, both children were born in Rugby, Warwickshire. In 1939 George’s widow resided in the family home at 16, Adams Street, Rugby.
George enlisted/attested into the Militia on the 17th December 1901 in Leicester, and was allotted the regimental service number 8029. He gave his place of birth as Dunton Bassett, Leicestershire and age as 17 years 1 month. His marital status was given as unmarried and his trade or calling as labourer, presently in the employ of Mr. Walker, near Rugby, Warwickshire. He gave his present address as Dunton Bassett, Leicestershire.
His description on enlistment recorded his apparent age as 18 years, height 5-feet 3¼ inches weight 147 lbs, chest measurement of between 38 and 40½ inches his complexion was described as fresh, he had grey eyes and his hair colour was dark brown. The following distinctive marks were noted, indistinct tattoo anchor back of left forearm. He gave his religion as Church of England.
He gave his next of kin as his father, Wm. Webb, Dunton Bassett, Nr. Lutterworth, Leicestershire. Mother, Mary Ann Webb, Dunton Bassett, Nr. Lutterworth, Leicestershire. Brother (Y) Leonard Webb, Mark Webb, Alfred Webb. Sisters, (O) Emma Webb, Cary Webb, Lucy Webb.
During his period of militia service, the following events of note occurred: -
Attested. 17/12/01.
Posted. To 3rd Bn. Leicestershire Regt. Pte. 17/12/01.
Commenced. 49 days drill training. 17/12/01.
Embodied service commenced. 24/02/02.
Transferred. To Regular Army, Leicestershire Regt. 17/11/02.
George enlisted/attested into the Regular Army on the 17th November 1902 in Leicester, and was allotted the regimental service number 6548. He gave his place of birth as Dunton Bassett, Leicestershire and age as 18 years. His marital status was given as unmarried and his trade or calling as labourer.
He confirmed that he was presently serving with 3rd Battalion Leicestershire Regiment, Militia.
His medical history was compiled during an examination that took place in Leicester on the 17th November 1902 and recorded his birthplace as Dunton Bassett, Leicestershire, declared age as 18 years, trade or occupation as labourer, that he was 5-feet 4 inches in height, weighed 150 lbs, had a chest measurement of between 36 and 38½ inches and his physical development was described as good.
His description on enlistment recorded his apparent age as 18 years, height 5-feet 4 inches weight 150 lbs, chest measurement of between 36 and 38½ inches, his complexion was described as fresh, he had blue eyes and his hair colour was brown. He gave his religion as Church of England.
He was certified as fit for the Army. Date. 17th November 1902. Place. Leicester.
He gave his next of kin as his father, William Webb, Dunton Bassett, Nr. Lutterworth, Leicestershire. Mother, Mary Ann Webb, Dunton Bassett, Nr. Lutterworth, Leicestershire. Brothers (Y) Leonard Webb, Mark Webb, Alfred Webb. Sisters, Emma Webb, Carrie Webb.
During his period of military service, the following events of note occurred: -
Joined. At Leicester. 17/11/02.
Posted. Depot Leicestershire Regt. Pte. 17/11/02.
Transferred. To 2nd Bn. Leicestershire Regt. Pte. 21/2/03.
Embodied Militia Service in 3rd Battalion Leicestershire Regiment from 24/2/02 to 3/10/02. Viz: 222 days allowed to reckon towards Good Conduct pay and pension under the authority of Army Order 794/42 of 1902.
Permitted to extend his service to complete 8 years with colours. (Authority of Brigade Order No.3, A/14-10/03.
Stationed. At Fermoy. 28/8/03.
Stationed. At Leicester. 17/11/03.
Granted. Messing Allowance. 17/11/03.
Stationed. At Colchester. 29/9/04.
Granted. Service Pay II @ 4d. 17/11/04.
Granted. 1st Good Conduct Badge. 10/12/04.
Stationed. At Tower of London. 5/7/05.
Transferred. To 1st Bn. Leicestershire Regt. 20/9/05.
Embarked. To India per S.S. Sicillia. 29/9/05.
Advanced. To Class I Service Pay @ 6d. -?-.
Admitted. To Hospital, Belgaum, off duty injury. 10/1/06 – 17/1/06.
Admitted. To Hospital, Paqua, enteritis. 6/2/06 – 13/2/06.
Awarded. 3rd Class Army Certificate of Education. 31/7/06.
Posted. To 2nd Bn. Leicestershire Regt. 16/10/06.
Admitted. To Hospital, gland removal. 5/11/06 – 20/12/06.
Awarded. 2nd Good Conduct Badge. 10/10/07.
Advanced Service Pay Class I @ 7d. 14/1/08.
Admitted. To Hospital, dengue fever. 5/10/09 – 12/10/09.
Admitted. To Hospital, Belgaum. 8/12/09 – 21/12/09.
Embarked. For England per H.T. Dongola. 19/10/10.
Transferred. To Class B Army Reserve. 16/11/10.
Enrolled. Class A Army Reserve. 26/11/10.
Continued. Class B Army Reserve. 17/11/11.
Mobilised. At Leicester. 5/8/14.
Posted. To 1st Bn. Leicestershire Regt. 5/8/14.
Passed. Mounted Infantry Course, Bulford. Certificate. Very Good. 2/9/14.
Embarked. With 1st Bn. Leicestershire Regt. 8/9/14.
Landed. St. Nazaire. 10/9/14.
Appointed. Lance Corporal (unpaid). 7/1/15.
Appointed. Lance Corporal vice Horsley (paid). 13/1/15.
Killed in action. Place not stated. In the Field. 28/4/15.
Summary of Service.
Home Service. 17/11/02 – 19/9/05. 2 years 307 days.
India. 20/9/05 – 9/11/10. 5 years 51 days.
Home Service. 10/11/10 – 8/9/14. 3 years 303 days.
Expeditionary Force, France. 9/9/14 – 28/4/15. 232 days.
Total Service. 12 years 160 days.
He was awarded the 1914 Star with Clasp & Rose, British War Medal and Victory Medal.
George’s widow was awarded a weekly Army Dependant’s Pension of eighteen shillings and six pence for herself and two children. To commence on the 15th November 1915.
SERVICE RECORD NOTE: In September 1940, as the result of a fire caused by an incendiary bomb at the War Office Record Store in Arnside Street, London, approximately two thirds of 6.5 million soldiers’ documents for the First World War were destroyed. Those records which survived were mostly charred or water damaged and unfit for consultation and became known as the “burnt documents.” As a consequence, the content and condition of the surviving records can range from good to extremely poor. The hand written information is, in some instances barely legible, and the number of pages that should comprise a full record, in some cases are either badly damaged or missing entirely, however where possible the available information has been transcribed so that it may at least offer the reader a little descriptive insight into some, if not all of the events and background information surrounding the period of service.
The War Diary records: 28-Apr-15 – RUE DU BOIS - (Wednesday) Heavily bombarded at 4.00am by trench mortar and rifle grenades. 1 man killed and 10 wounded. 16 light howitzer shells fired at 8.45pm.
On Friday May 28th 1915, The Melton Mowbray Times & Vale of Belvoir Gazette published the following article under the heading. “THE ROLL OF HONOUR.” – LEICESTERSHIRE REGIMENT CASUALTIES. The following casualties in the Leicestershire Regiment are announced by the Official Press Bureau:- Reported May 4th.
KILLED.
11161 Pte. P. Griggs. 2nd Battalion, 10280 Pte. H. Smith, 2nd Battalion.
WOUNDED.
Lieut. G. A. Quayle, 2nd Battalion, 3247 Pte. C. Daley, 4th Batt. (T.F.).
The following casualties in the Leicestershire Regiment are announced by the Official Press Bureau:- Reported May 8th.
KILLED.
9907 Pte. A. Cunningham, 2nd Batt., 1321 Pte. H. Chapman, 5th Batt. (T.F.).
DIED OF WOUNDS.
11535 Pte. E. W. Bailey, 2nd Batt., 12911 Pte. L. L. Fuller, 2nd Batt., 5624 Corpl. G. Hopcroft, 2nd Batt.
WOUNDED.
5963 Sergt. A. Faulks, 2nd Batt., 1717 Pte. W. Asher, 4th Batt., (T.F.), 1656 Pte. E. A. Gent, 4th Batt. (T.F.), 2440 Pte. C. Henson, 4th Batt. (T.F.), 2708 Pte. L. Hopkinson, 4th Batt. (T.F.), 3477 Pte. F. Lewin, 4th Batt. (T.F.), 2629 Pte. C. Sabin, 4th Batt. (T.F.), 3241 Pte. L. E. Southwell, 4th Batt. (T. F.), 2648 Pte. F. Taylor, 4th Batt. (T.F.), 1769 Pte. A. Toon, 4th Batt. (T. F.), 1418 Pte. G. Downs, 5th Batt. (T.F.), 1419 Pte. C. Ellicott, 5th Batt. (T.F.), 3390 Pte. J. R. Fuller, 5th Batt. (T.F.), 2519 Pte. W. Hadland, 5th Batt. (T.F.), 2316 Pte. J. H. Rossall, 5th Batt. (T.F.), 2488 Pte. C. E. Scott, 5th Batt. (T.F.).
The following casualties amongst non-commissioned officers and men of the Leicestershire Regiment are reported from the Base, under date 9th May: -
KILLED.
Avins, 7287, Private O., Webb, 6548, Lance Corporal G.
WOUNDED.
1st BATTALION
Biggs, 12551, Private W., Brazier, 8925, Drummer F., Burfield, 7476, Lance Corporal S., Carter, 7614, Private A., Freeman, 9932, Private J. E., Gunnell, 6855, Private A., Marriott, 9363, Private H., Musson, 7450, Private B., Toon, 7712, Lance Corporal J., Withers, 7043, Private H.
2nd BATTALION.
Harrott, 16694, Private T.
On Wednesday June 16th 1915, The Leicester Daily Post published the following article under the heading. “KILLED IN ACTION.” - Information has been received of the death of Lance-Corporal GEORGE WEBB, of the 1st Leicester’s, killed in action on April 28th. He was the eldest son of Mr. and Mrs. William Webb, Dunton Bassett, and prior to the outbreak of war was employed at the B.T.H. Works, Rugby. Lance-Corporal Webb was 30 years of age, and leaves a widow and two children, for whom the deepest sympathy is felt. Two others of the sons of Mr. and Mrs. Webb are fighting, one in the Navy, the other in Kitchener’s Army.