Master George Thurston

A Private attached to 4 Field Survey Company, Master died on 26th of July 1919 at the age of 26.

It seems that he preferred to use his middle name, George, as his first name and so appears on several records as George Thurston. 

He was born in 1893, a son of William J. and Jessie Thurston. In 1901 his family lived at 13 Beresford Road and by 1911 were living at 8 Grove Road and Master worked as a painter and plumber for a builder. When Master enlisted, in January 1915, his family were living at 57 Arnold Street, and Master worked as a painter and carter. 

Before the First World War Master had served with the 3rd East Anglian Howitzer Brigade (Territorial Force) for four years. 

Master arrived in France on 9 August 1915 and he was a horse transport Driver attached to 142 Field Ambulance. He was granted a furlough from 28 January to 11 February 1918. Master married Edith Annie Taylor at Mutford Register Office on 7 February 1918 and they had a home at 84 Tonning Street Lowestoft. Later Edith lived at 135 Brunswick Road, Poplar, London. 

In late 1918/early 1919 Master served with the 3rd Mobile Repair Unit attached to 4 Field Survey Company Royal Engineers. On 5 May 1919 master was arrested for drunkenness and he struck a military policeman: for these offences he was given 28 days Field Punishment Number 2.  

On 25 July 1919 Master and Lance Corporal Floyd arrived at Cologne from the Wahn Survey detachment, in order to get ready to be discharged. Master, Lance Corporal Floyd, and two other men, then went out for a few drinks, before returning to their billet. Master’s room was in an upper storey of the building. Around 1 a.m. on 26 July Master was seen moving around the barrack room. He returned to his bed, which was next to a window, and was seen to have his knee on the ledge. Around 1.15 a.m. on 26 July Master was found on the ground having fallen out of the window. Master was taken to 64 Casualty Clearing Station but died before arrival. It appears that he died from a broken neck. 

Listed on Saint Margaret's War Memorial (Roll of Honour has initials M G)