71133 Pte George Hawkins was killed in action

Husband of Emma 159 Sutherland Road, Longton. Aged 40 and buried at Philosophe British Cemetery Mazingarbe in France.

Although the Commonwealth War Graves Commision and Soldiers Died in the Great War record George as serving with the 1/6th Sherwood Foresters, it seems more likely that he was serving with the 1/6th North Staffordshire Regiment, which suffered a number of casualties on that day as recorded on the Grave Registration Report (which includes Hawkins recorded as 1/6 North Staffs).

The Notts & Derby Medal Roll record’s George moving from the North Staffs to the 16/Sherwoods and being renumbered. He was then posted to the 1/6th Sherwoods (top). The register of his effects, however, record’s his attachment to the 1/6th North Staff (bottom).