BENSON, George Verner

The Benson family lived at Captain’s Flat NSW when George’s birth was registered there in 1894.  His parents, John and Emma, came to the Inverell district c1903 and were living in High Street when George volunteered for War service at Liverpool NSW in July 1915. At this time he was learning the Blacksmith trade, a keen Rugby Union player and a member of the 5th Light Horse at Inverell.

George became a member of the 30th Battalion, D Company and sailed from Australia on HMAT A74 Beltana in November 1915. The Battalion served in Egypt until sent to France on 23 June 1916. Just a month later, during the Battle of Fromelles, George was killed in action whilst helping to move supplies for the 5th Division. 

Initially George was listed as having no known grave and his name recorded at VC Corner Australian Cemetery at Fromelles.  During 2010 he was among the men identified in a mass grave and subsequently interred in the Fromelles (Pheasant Wood) Military Cemetery, France.

At Inverell Private George Benson’s name is recorded on the Cenotaph and Honor Roll as well as on Honour Rolls at Inverell Public School and the Anglican Church.  In 1919 he was one of 219 men for whom a memorial tree was planted in Kurrajong Parade.