George Richard Broadhead's World War One Story!
as told by his cousin Herb Barge

I never met my 4th cousin. 2 times removed, but I did research all of the following information:

In memory of Private
GEORGE RICHARD BROADHEAD

George was born May 19, 1883 in upper Holloway, Islington, London, England, the son of George John and Julia Leontine (nee Bowen) Broadhead. He was the eldest of four brothers all who served in World War I: Richard Edwin Bowen (CEF), William Sydney(CEF) and John William (CEF) were the other three.

George married Margaret Bradley on April 21, 1907 in East Barking, Romford, Essex, England. They had three children before his service in World War One; George John (1910), William Frank (1912) and Margaret Helen (1916), and they had one child born after his service in World War One, Frank E. (1921).

George's service record is hard to read as it was at some point partially burnt, however it would appear he joined the British Army, service number 34354, on January 10, 1916.

Attestation

The above attestation shows his wife as next of kin, the deails of their marriage and lists the three children born before the attestation. It also details any wounds and medals awarded after the war. The wound details a GSW (Gun Shot Wound) to the right heel on October 23, 1918, however it must have been minor as on February 2, 1919 he signed a statement I do not claim to be suffering from a disability due to my military service. He was awarded the British War Medal and the Victory Medal.

British War Medal Victory Medal
British War Medal - Victory Medal

George served as follows:

In England from January 10, 1916 to July 10, 1916
In France from July 11, 1916 to November 12, 1917
In Italy form November 13, 1917 to September 17, 1918
In France again from September 18, 1018 to February 11, 1919
In England from February 12, 1919 to March 14, 1919
Transferred to Z Army Reserve March 15, 1919.

George died January 15, 1939 in Hornsey, Middlesex, England.


Page updated October 16, 2021