Royal Field Artillery, Service no. 107288
Story
Born on the 9th February 1894, George was the sixth of seven children born to Francis Hope and Jane Ann Ponder. George’s cousin Aaron Ponder died of sickness during the War, and his uncle Charles Ponder was killed by swing-bridge at Methley in 1898. George’s mother passed away in 1901, around three years after this photograph of the family was taken.
(L-R: Moses Hope (1887-1952); Francis Hope (1859-1932); Albert Hope (1885-1941); George Hope (1894-1966); Annie E Hope (1883-1965); Dorothy A Hope (1896-1990); Jane A Ponder (1862-1901); Martha A Hope (1889-1960); Henry Hope (1892-1913, killed at Allerton Bywater Colliery). Below George in the centre alongside Robert and Albert Kemp:
George was a coal miner at Ledston Luck before the War, and was initially a Gunner in the Royal Field Artillery after he enlisted, before being promoted to Bombardier. His Military Medal award was announced on the 5th October 1917, and his presentation was covered in the press on 7th December 1917. He was the seventh villager to receive this award:
Military Medallist Honoured at Kippax
Bombardier George Hope, R.F.A., who was a little time ago awarded the Military Medal for conspicuous bravery on the battlefield, being at home on leave this week, opportunity was taken on Tuesday night by the Kippax and Ledston Luck Soldiers’ and Sailors’ Comforts Fund Committee to make a presentation to him of a gold watch. The interesting event took place in the Church School-room, under the presidency of the Vicar (Rev. E.B. Smith). The presentation was made by Mr. A. Bedford, manager of the Ledston Luck Colliery, where Bombardier Hope worked prior to enlistment, and he expressed the hope that he would long be spared to wear that handsome gift from the villagers. Bombardier Hope briefly expressed his thanks and a hearty vote of thanks was accorded the chairman and Mr. Bedford, on the motion of Mr. L. Bickerdike, seconded by Mr. E. Bickerdike, and supported by Mr. A. Kelly. The remainder of the evening was spent in a social manner, dancing being indulged in to music supplied by Mrs. Gill, with Mr. A. Clayton as M.C. There was a large company present.
After the War, George was married on the 19th July 1919 in Kippax to Hannah Roberts:
Noticeably, despite having the right to add the initials ‘M.M’ after his name, George makes no reference to this, and is happy to revert back to a Miner. George and Hannah had two sons: Cyril in 1920 and Kenneth in 1922. George returned to coal mining after the war, and lived at 225 Westfield Lane, Kippax, before passing away in 1966.
Kippax Roll of Honour 