37 George Dickerson

Sergeant: Royal Engineers The life and times of George Dickerson read as follows: November 1885: Born Woodbridge, Suffolk. 8 March 1904: Disillusioned with life as a butcher’s assistant, joined the Army's Royal Engineers and trained as a driver. 24 December 1904: Sent to South Africa, returning on the 4th of March 1907. 10 March 1907: Released from regular service onto the Reserve for nine years. 2 April 1911: Appears in Avening census for first time, living at The Institute, occupation "Chauffeur", probably to Mr Alfred Dickinson of Brook House. 6 September 1913: Married Emily Rowles at Brimscombe and set up home in the hamlet of Burleigh on Minchinhampton Common. July 1914: Set off on a four week fishing holiday in Scotland, driving Mr Dickinson. August 1914: Whilst in Scotland, reported for duty at the outbreak of war. 6 August 1914: Mobilised at Bulford, Wiltshire. 18 August 1914: Sent to France. 18 September 1914: Wounded at Aisne during the retreat. Some time later returned to hospital in Plymouth where he was reunited with his wife. Remained in England until: 22 January 1917: Returned to France. July 1917: Gassed and returned to England. The same month his daughter Emily was born at Burleigh. 11 August 1917 to 11 September 1917: Leave at home. September 1917: Returned to France. November 1917: Posted to Italy. 27 February 1918: Promoted to Sergeant. Early October 1918: Contracted influenza, which led to complications. 27 October 1918: Died of bronchial pneumonia, buried at the Giavera British Cemetery, Arcade, Italy. May 1919: His wife received his effects. 1922: His wife received his three medals – 1914 Star, Victory Medal and British Medal. 1939: His daughter Emily married Ronald F Shearman. We have been unable to locate any relatives.