Lives of the First World War

Gunner 104915 George Croft in his uniform of the Royal Field Artillery

Gnr George Croft's army cap badge and epaulettes

George Croft in happier times, pre-war.

‘Some rain in the night. We attacked at 6am only the far right of our front (29 Division) attacked, remainder demonstrated, real attack being South. All objectives gained. Much desultory enemy shelling. C/74 while shooting an SOS had 2 officers & 10 OR killed & wounded. (Lieut FW Finn killed & 2/Lt Travers wounded)’

George's grave at Canada Farm Cemetery, Belgium.

Killed in Action at his Gun Mrs. Croft, of 38, Cecil Street, Greenhill, Blackpool, has received information that her son, George Croft, of the R.F.A., was killed in action on October 4th. He was 24 years of age, and joined up on August 3rd, 1915, and after about 6 weeks training went out to France. Letters from the Sergeant and Corporal of the battery stated that he was killed by the concussion from a big shell which fell behind him whilst working his gun. Prior to enlisting Gunner Croft was with his brother, Mr. Tom Croft, of Lord Street, Blackpool.

GUNNER GEORGE CROFT Killed in Action at His Gun Much sympathy is felt for Mrs Croft, of 38, Cecil Street, Greenhill, Blackpool, who has received official news that her son, Gnr. George Croft, was killed in action on 4th October. Gunner Croft, who was 24 years of age, and single, and after about six weeks’ training at Preston and Woolwich was drafted to France. Previous to enlisting he was in the butchering business with his brother, Tom Croft, Lord Street, Blackpool, who joined up some months ago, and another brother, Private Croft, of Percy Street, Greenhill, who was taken to hospital suffering from gas effects. The first intimation to his mother, Mrs Croft, was a letter from Corpl. Kearns, of the R.F.A., as follows: “Dear Mrs. Croft, - just a few lines to tell you that the parcel you sent to George has arrived at the Battery but as you will have been informed, he was killed a few days ago. I shared the contents of the parcel among his comrades. Well, Mrs Croft, I am writing you

George's gravestone bears the personal inscription ‘He died that we might live’. As the extract from the Imperial War Graves Commission inscription form shows, this was a personal message requested and paid for by George’s mother. (A charge of 3 ½ old pence per letter was charged with a maximum number of letters set at 66). George’s mother never had the opportunity to visit her youngest son's grave.

In George's possession when he was killed in action and brought home by his Sergeant.

George Croft's WW1 Medals - awarded posthumously.

Memorial Plaque - George Croft

The scroll was issued with the bronze plaque and bore the Rank, full Christian and Surname name and regimental or unit details of the dead serviceman. George’s scroll was sent to his mother on 20/07/1920.

George Croft's parents grave in Layton Cemetery, Blackpool. The gravestone carries a memorial to George's sacrifice.

As was the practice of the day in many towns and cities, the local newspapers published lists or ‘Rolls of Honour’ of local men who were serving with the forces. George and eight of his neighbours from Cecil Street, feature in the ‘Blackpool Times and Fylde Observer’ on February 2nd 1916.

The Cenotaph on the promenade at Blackpool. George's name is on one of the panels surrounding it.

George Croft's name is on one of the panels at the Cenotaph at Blackpool

Form detailing Gnr George Croft's request to give an allowance from his wages for his mother.

Citation downloaded from CWGC Website

George Croft with family living at 38 Cecil Street, Blackpool

George's family had the honour to stand at his graveside on the 100th anniversary of his death on 4th October 2017. We will remember. RIP