George Benjamin Smith

A Trimmer with H.M.S. Ganges II, George died on 30th of November 1918 aged 33. 

George was born at Corton on 4 November 1885, a son of George and Ellen Smith.

On 12 April 1909 George married Clara Daisy Nobbs at Saint Margaret’s Church. George was a labourer living at 13 Clarence Road, and Clara lived at 48 Worthing Road. In 1910 they lived at 35 Cambridge Road. In 1911 George was a boat builder’s labourer. By 1916 their home was at 125 Saint Margaret’s Road. Whilst George was serving during the war Clara moved to 44 West Street, Harwich, afterwards she moved back to Lowestoft and lived at 55 Sussex Road and later at 38 Dukes Head Street. 

George joined the Royal Naval Reserve on 6 May 1916 and was drafted to H.M.S. Ganges II which, at that time, was being used as a trawler base. His service record does not give details on any sea-going vessels that he served on, but medal rolls show that he was only awarded the British War Medal indicating that he had accrued 28 days’ mobilised service, but had not served overseas (note: this rule was specific to the Royal Navy and did not apply to the Army).   

George died at 44 West Street, Harwich, from influenza and pneumonia.