George Phillip Neeve

A Private with the 2nd Battalion, George died on 16th of August 1916 at the age of 37. 

George’s first names were Philip George, but in all of his military service he used George as his first name. He was born at Lowestoft on 1 June 1879, a son of William George and Louisa Neeve. In 1881 his family lived at 14 Dove Street. George was baptised at Saint Margaret’s Church on 1 August 1886. 

George attended Arnold Street School until 13 December 1886, when he became a pupil at Saint Margaret’s School. He left school on 2 June 1893 to work as a shop boy. In 1898 George worked as a labourer for Mr. Hills at the Thames Iron Works, Canning Town. 

In 1911 his family lived at Marine Cottages, 5 East Street, and George was a shrimping fisherman. 

On 21 July 1899 George enlisted in the Norfolk Artillery (Militia) at Lowestoft. On 11 January 1900 he joined the regular battalions of the Suffolk Regiment, service number 5469. On 1 July 1901 he joined the 9th Provisional Battalion and, on 30 September 1901, joined the Mounted Infantry in South Africa. He saw active service in the Boer War and was awarded the Queen’s South Africa Medal. He was posted to the 1st Battalion on 11 January 1902 and the 2nd Battalion on 22 September 1902. He transferred to the Army Reserve on 10 January 1908 and was discharged on completion of his engagement on 10 January 1912.    

George volunteered and enlisted in the Army at Lowestoft soon after the war began. He served with the Suffolk Regiment, service number 3/9127 and arrived in France on 15 September 1914 to join the 2nd Battalion. 

On 16 August 1916 the 2nd Battalion were at Guillemont and involved in an attack a feature known as Cochrane Alley where a German block-house was known to be a significant stronghold. The battalion made efforts to take, and hold, part of Cochrane Alley: work significantly hampered by machine-gun fire and enemy snipers. 

The battalion’s casualties from 16 to 18 August were:

Officers: one killed, eight wounded, one missing
Other ranks: 39 killed, 151 wounded, 80 missing

George was killed in action on 16 August 1916.