Private George Boyle.
G/20676 7th Royal West Kent Regiment.
Missing in Action 21st March 1918, aged 27.
George was born born in Burnley, son of John Boyle and Catherine Jute, his father was born in Ireland and a Coal Miner, his mother was a Burnley girl. In the 1891 census he had 3 brothers, John 10, Thomas 4,Joseph 2 and two sisters, Elizabeth 11 and Mary 9. They were all living at 118 Anne St., Burnley.
By the time of the 1901 census they had moved to 106 Anne St. with two new additions, Edward 4 and Patrick 9. Also living with them was Elsie Watson their granddaughter aged 9 months, presumably the daughter of Elizabeth who wasn’t mentioned in this census.
In the 1911 census George was in India with the 8th Battalion Kings Royal Irish Hussars.
In the March quarter of 1915 George married Jane Agnes Anderson and at the time of his death they lived at 12 Burnley Road, Worsthorne. His son George Henry Boyle was born in 1918.
From the Burnley Express dated 18th Nov 1916: WORSTHORNE WOUNDED:
News has been received in Worsthorne that Private George Boyle has been wounded.
Sgt J T Whittam of the Canadians and a native of Worsthorne has been wounded in the foot in the recent severe fighting, whilst leading his men into action. He is at present on sick leave and he's staying for a few days in the village amongst his many friends and acquaintances.
Another Worsthorne soldier Private J Frankland has been wounded in the head, but is progressing favourably and has been transferred to a hospital in Essex.
From the Burnley Express dated 9 June 1917: WORSTHORNE SOLDIER WOUNDED.
After being at the front for over 2 years, Private George Boyle of the East Lancashire Regiment, and formerly of Worsthorne has been seriously wounded in the leg and is now lying in Carrington Hospital Nottingham. His wounds have been caused by shrapnel, and one piece has already been taken out of his leg. Prior to his enlistment Private Boyle lived in ??? Road and worked at Rowley Colliery. He had previously in the army, having served with the 8th Hussars, a portion of his time being spent in India. In a cheerful letter home he says the Germans have been after his blood they have not got his life.
From the Burnley Express dated 15 Feb 1919: DEATH PRESUMED - A Worsthorne Footballer.
Posted as missing on March 21st last year, the death is now presumed of Private George Boyle, 20676, 7th Royal West Kent Regiment, who formerly resided at 34 Water Street Worsthorne.
Previous to the war Private Boyle had served for 3 years in India with the 8th Hussars, and on returning to civilian life work at Rowley Colliery. He was formerly associated with football in Worsthorne, and both played for and acted as trainer to, the local club. He was a cousin of Tom Boyle, ex-captain of Burnley F C and was connected with St John's Church. Two of the Dead soldiers brothers are still in France, Private Edward Boyle, of the Cheshire Regiment, and Private John Boyle, Royal Engineers. Private George Boyle who had previously been twice wounded, leaves a wife and a 7 month old baby he had never seen.
George lived at 12 Burnley Road, Worsthorne, Burnley.
George is commemorated on the Pozieres Memorial, France.Panels 58 & 59.
