RICHARDSON, George Francis Gerald

George was born in London, England, in 1896 to William and Alice Richardson. It is not known when he came to Australia. He enlisted in March 1915 at Liverpool NSW, stating he was a single man, and a twenty one year old Labourer. It appears he put his age up, possibly because his parents were not in Australia to give their written consent for him to serve overseas.

George joined the 19th Battalion, B Company and sailed from Australia for Egypt on HMAT Ceramic in June 1915. By mid August he was at Gallipoli where just two weeks later he became ill and was admitted to hospital in Malta suffering from dysentery. After transfer to England in March 1916 he was sent to France two months later. During October he attended a Trench Mortar School and the following month was listed as missing in action.

George was eventually reported as Killed in Action on 14 November 1916. He was buried at Warlencourt British Cemetery, France.

The Australian War Memorial Honour Cards (AWM145) list Inverell NSW as George’s town, and although no evidence has yet been found of his residence here, his name is recorded on the Inverell Honor Roll.

George’s brother Wilfred served with the 56th Battalion AIF, and gave his address as Sydney.