George Fredrick Gage

A Private with the 11th Battalion, George died on 24th of October 1918 aged 21.

George was born at Lowestoft on 8 February 1897, a son of William H. and Fanny Gage. He was baptised at Saint Margaret’s Church on 3 March 1897 and his family lived at 13 Crown Street. In 1901 his family lived at 4 Orchard Terrace, Union Place, Kirkley. George became a pupil at Kirkley School on 3 June 1901 and by that time his family had moved to London Road. By 1911 they were living at 57 Park Road. George became a student at Lowestoft School of Science on 23 April 1912.

George enlisted in the Army at Ipswich in early 1916. He joined the 6th (Cyclist) Battalion Suffolk Regiment, service number 2316. Around August 1916 he was posted to France to serve with the 7th Battalion, service number 43180, and he joined C Company. 

George became unwell at Arras on 17 January 1917, he had, pyrexia, or fever, of unknown origin. From 19 January he was being treated, at 18 General Hospital, for an abscess on his neck. He was evacuated to England on 28 January. Once recovered George was posted to the 11th Battalion. 

On 24 October 1918 the 11th Battalion crossed the River Ecaillon to secure high ground near Vendegies and then they were to push on a take Vendegies itself. The attack began at 4 a.m. and by 5.15 a.m. the initial objectives were achieved, and the battalion captured seven machine-guns, two trench mortars and took 100 prisoners. A heavy enemy counter-attack prevented them from entering Vendegies until the Germans withdrew during the night. George was killed in the attack.