Royal Field Artillery, 51st Battery, Service no. 82098
Story
George was a tailor’s trimmer, and was born in Leeds in 1891. His parents were Thomas and Annie Preece, and they lived in Hunslet, before moving to Church Lane, Kippax before the War. George’s father was from Herefordshire, and they moved back to Gloucestershire after the War.
George enlisted on 15th January 1915, and was part of the expeditionary force sent to France. However, George had a string of disciplinary notes against him. As early as 21st April 1915, he overstayed his leave by four days and was confined to Barracks for 4 days. On 20th May 1915, he was admonished for poor conduct. George was punished again on 22nd June 1915 for breaking out of Barracks and being absent from his Company Parade; and once more on 11th August 1915 for absenting himself from Guard Duty. He received 120 hours field punishment after overstaying his leave period for four days which saw him arrested by the police in Leeds. George was also confined to Barracks twice more with three day periods of being confined to Barracks for failing to comply with orders. He returned home from France on 21st September 1917, after being injured, but continued to serve at Home until after the War.
Below: Royal Field Artillery 4.5-inch howitzer battery at Thiepval in September 1916:
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