Private George Waterworth.
5140 1st East Lancashire Regiment.
Missing in action 10th May 1915, aged 20.
George was born about 1895 in America, the son of John and Hannah Waterworth. In the 1901 census the family lived at 45 May St, Burnley. John 34 a brick maker born in Keighley, Yorkshire, Hannah 35 born in Tavistock, Devonshire. James 12 born in Burnley, Mary 10, Sarah 7, George 6, Charles 4. The family obviously moved to America sometime between 1889 and 1891. The family returned to the Uk in the Jan of 1899, sailing from New York on the Furnessia and arriving in Glasgow.
The family had moved to 8 Holton St, Burnley by the 1911 census. John 45, Hannah 46 James 22 and his wife Ada 21, Sarah 17, George 16 and Charles 14. Their parents had been married 18 years has 6 children 1 of whom had died in infancy.
From The Express and Advertiser dated 5th June 1915: GENEROUS AND LOVABLE. HOW BURNLEY YOUTH DIED.
Private George Waterworth whose family reside in Holton Street Burnley, and who was in the East Lancashire Regiment, has been officially reported killed on May 10th. Well-known in the Burnley Wood District he attended St Mary's Schools and was a member of the Catholic Boys Brigade. He was called up with the 3rd Army Reserve and was only 20 years of age.
"One who knew him" has written the following brief but touching appreciation: "Private Waterworth was a fine made young fellow, generous lovable and cheerful disposition, and in every way I were the ornament of the calling to which he belonged. He was a scholar at St. Mary's School and a scout, and his untimely death, which he met in the true spirit of a soldier, will be greatly mourned by a large circle of relatives and friends."
News of Private Waterworth's death was received from two sources before the official intimation.
Private Chick of the Machine Gun Section 1st East Lancashire Regiment wrote: "Dear Mr Waterworth. I write these few lines to you hoping you will bear their message in the best of courage, as I am very sorry to have to think that my first time of writing is to carry such sad news to you. Your loving son, George, fell in Action on May 10th. I cannot tell you where it was, as I am not allowed, but I will make it my business to see that his grave is marked in the best way I am able to."
Corporal Winnard of the "C" Company, East Lancashire Regiment, who is a Burnley man, also wrote: "Dear Mrs Waterworth. It is with deepest regret I have to inform you of the death of your son, 5140, George Waterworth. He was hit in the head by a bullet at 2 o'clock this afternoon May 10th. He was unconscious and died 20 minutes later. I can't tell you how it cut me up, for he has been my chum since we went up to camp together in July. I did my very utmost for him, but God willed it otherwise. He was a good soldier, and I will miss him very very much. Believe me you have my deepest sympathy, for I know how you will feel. I too have a mother. God bless you and God help you. If God spares me I'll call and see you when I get to Burnley."
Lived at Holton St.
George left his effects to mother Hannah.
George is commemorated on the Menin Gate Memorial, Belgium: Panel 34. Son of John and Hannah Waterworth, of 30, Albert St., Burnley.
The Last Post ceremony at the Menin Gate happens each and every evening.