George Arthur Wink

A Private with 14th Battalion, George died on 16th of October 1916 at the age of 29. 

George was born at Rendham, Suffolk, on 23 October 1886, a son of Arthur and Ellen Maria Wink. In 1891 his family lived near the chapel at Rendham. George was educated at Pakefield. In 1901 his family lived at Birds Farm, Birds Lane, Carlton Road, Kirkley, and George was a grocer’s errand boy. By 1911 they were living at 41 Kimberley Road, Lowestoft, and George was a general carter.  

George was a labourer when he attested for the Army, at Lowestoft, on 8 December 1915. He was called up on 1 March 1916. Initially he served with the Suffolk Regiment, service number 25023, and was posted to the 10th Battalion on 3 March 1916. He was transferred to the Essex Regiment, service number 6856, and posted to the 2/6th Battalion on 17 April 1916. George was transferred to the Durham Light Infantry, service number 42792, and posted to the 6th (Reserve) Battalion on 28 August 1916, The next day he arrived in France to join the 1/6th Battalion. On 16 September 1916 he was posted to the 14th Battalion.

On 11 October 1916 the 14th Battalion moved to Needle Trench, near Guedecourt, Somme. On 13 October they moved forward to Rainbow Trench. One other rank was killed and three men, including George, were wounded. 

George received a gunshot wound to his back. He was admitted to 34 Casualty Clearing Station, where he died of his wounds, on 16 October 1916.  

George's uncle, John Wink, died in 1916 in the loss of the trawler Boy Sam.