ANDERSON, George William

George’s birth was registered at Inverell in 1896. He was one of several children born to William and Mary Anderson. He was educated at the Inverell Intermediate High School. When George enlisted in March 1916, he stated he had served 3 years with the 13th Infantry and a 5 year apprenticeship with E.J. McBean at Inverell. As he was only twenty years old, his father gave his permission for George to serve overseas.

George was one of twenty men given a public farewell at the Inverell Town Hall in March 1916 before leaving for the Narrabri camp. They were presented with the Inverell Medal and socks from the Ladies Sock Committee.

After becoming a Private with the Light Trench Mortar Battery, Reinforcement 1, he sailed from Australia for England on the ship HMAT A14 Euripides in September 1916. His Battalion arrived in England at towards the end of October; however George was ill and did not go to France until April the following year.  Only a fortnight later he received a severe gunshot wound to his arm and was invalided back to England where the decision was eventually made to return him to Australia. He was medically discharged in April 1918.

After the War he lived in Inverell until about 1950 when he moved to the coast to live.

Private George Anderson has his name inscribed on the Inverell Intermediate High School Honor Roll.