Prince of Wales’ Own (West Yorkshire) Regiment, 2nd Battalion, Service no. 62493
Born: 26th January 1899. Died: 1972
Story
George was born in Kippax, the son of Alfred Ryder and Mary Hannah Hudson. He was a Grocer’s Assistant at the Co-Op, living on Leeds Road, and enlisted in 1916, aged 17. He was 5ft 6 inches tall, and was originally assigned to the Durham Light Infantry, under Service no. 38798, before transferring to the West Yorkshire Regiment.
On 20th January 1918, George was given 7 days punishment at Clipstone Park for refusing to obey an order from a non-commissioned officer when on active service. He was posted to France on 1st May 1918, and was quickly taken as a Prisoner of War. On 6th December 1918, his return to Kippax was reported, and his face was bandaged up. His claim to also have suffered a hernia was rejected by the army. After a period of leave, followed by two months’ furlough (released prisoner of war leave), the Army could insist that certain soldiers returned to active duty and re-join their Unit. There were several get-out clauses, and George asked Mr. Hartley the Kippax Co-operative manager to write the Army a letter stating that he could return to the position he held before the War. George married Hilda Green in Kippax on 5th March 1921. He passed away in 1972.
Kippax Roll of Honour 