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In the early hours of the 25th September, a loud bombardment of Hooge

commenced, which resulted in heavy return re from the German

sector, as the above unit war diary shows. George was killed in this

attack (trench map from that period shown opposite).

His peronal items of a purse, thimble, gospel, hymn book, note book,

and letters were returned to his mother after his death. The Melton

Times reported the circumstances of his death:

Melton Mowbray Times & Vale of Belvoir Gazette

Friday October 1st 1915

“MELTON AND THE WAR.” – MORE MELTON TERRITORIAL

CASUALTIES:

Mrs. Ruddle, of Fernie-avenue, Melton Mowbray, has received a

letter from her husband, in which he states that last Sunday he

Unit War Diary: 25 Sep-1915

TRENCHES. At 3.50 am bombardment of HOOGE. Enemy replied

and also shelled A1 and 50. At 5.56 am straw which had been put

out by night was lighted in front of 50. Smoke bombs were thrown

from 49 and A1. This promptly drew re. 50 and A1 were heavily

shelled and 49 trench mortared. Artillery telephone communication

lost but 3rd LINCOLNSHIRE Battery and 2nd DERBYSHIRE

Howitzer red over 50 and 49 and later 4th STAFFORDSHIRE

Battery. About 7.l5 am bombardment ended and the rest of the day

was fairly quiet.