22998 Pte George Kingsbury MM, 8th Bn, Border Regiment

22998 Private George Kingsbury MM of the 8th Battalion, Border Regiment, died of wounds on the 3rd May 1918. He was born in Marylebone, London and enlisted in London, originally joining the East Surrey Regiment where his number was 9775.

Papers for George survive in WO 363 at the National Archives, and the following information is taken from these. George joined the East Surrey Regiment on the 9th July 1915. He was, according to his attestation papers, 28 years old and gave his trade as Carman. His address is recorded as 15 Bridfort Street, Marylebone.

George had previously seen six years' service with the East Surrey Militia, later being discharged on the Termination of his Engagement. The date 1905 is written next to this line, which can only mean a joining date as, at 28 when he joined up, he simply would have been too young to have been discharged - after six years - in 1905. However, the Commonwealth War Graves Commission, gives George's age at death as 35. If this is his true age, then a 1905 militia discharge date is a possibility.

George had a number of tattoos: a crucifix on his chest and tattoos on both arms.

After his death, a medallion, three rings, a crucifix and bag were returned to George's father in Marylebone.

He is buried in Esquelbecq Military Cemetery in France.

At the going down of the sun, and in the morning, WE WILL REMEMBER THEM.

Sources:

Ancestry (MIC)
Soldiers Died in The Great War
Army Service Numbers
The Commonwealth War Graves Commission