Grave cross of Lance Corporal George James Hall in St Guthlac's church, Stathern.
The memorial consists of a crude wooden cross on the wall of the south aisle of the church with a tin plate inscription. It marked the grave of Lance Corporal Hall of Stathern who died in action in September 1918. His grave is now marked by an inscribed headstone.
"He was the son of James Hall, a railway platelayer, born 1863 in Stathern, Leicestershire and his wife Elizabeth Hall (nee Birch, married in the 2nd quarter of 1884 in the Melton Mowbray, Leicestershire district) born, 1862 in Stamford, Lincolnshire. George James was born in the 3rd quarter of 1898 in Stathern and was baptised on the 21st August 1898 in the parish church, Stathern, his siblings were, Elizabeth Catherine, a domestic servant, born 1888 and baptised on the 19th August 1888 in the parish church, Stathern, Thomas, born 1890 and baptised on the 8th June 1890 in the parish church, Stathern and Edith Ellen, born 1893 and baptised on the 20th August 1894 in the parish church, Stathern, all his siblings were born in Stathern, in March 1901 the family home was at Stathern. In April 1911 George was a schoolboy and was residing in the family home at Stathern, together with his father, a railway platelayer, his mother and sibling Thomas, and ironstone quarry worker, also residing in the family home was George’s maternal Great Aunt, Mary Ann Birch, an old age pensioner, born 1830 in Stamford. George also had two older siblings, John Henry, born 1884 and baptised on the 5th April 1885 in the parish church, Stathern and Mary Ann, born 1886 and baptised on the 17th October 1886 in the parish church, Stathern, both siblings were born in Stathern. George was awarded the British War and Victory medals.
The War Diary records: 21 Sep-18 – Near L’EMPIRE. Bombing attacks continued. Enemy fighting hard. At 10.00pm the junction of BIRD TRENCH and ST. PATRICK’S AVENUE captured. Bomb fighting throughout the night resulted in our line being advanced about 300 yards.
On Friday October 25th 1918 The Melton Mowbray Times & Vale of Belvoir Gazette published the following article under the heading. “STATHERN.” – LOCAL SOLDIER KILLED. – It is with regret we record the death of Lance-Corpl. George James Hall, youngest son of Mr. and Mrs. James Hall, of this parish. He had been in France nearly twelve months and was in the Durham Light Infantry. At the beginning of September he was transferred to the Royal West Kent’s, and was killed on Sept. 21st. He was 20 years of age last June. The greatest sympathy is felt for his parents, brother, sisters, and relatives in their bereavement. A memorial service was held in the Parish Church on Sunday evening when the Rector feelingly alluded to the sad event.
Unit - Queen's Own Royal West Kent Regiment
Former Unit n.o - 77912
Former Unit - 1/6th Bn. Durham Light Infantry
Cause of death - KILLED IN ACTION
Burial Commemoration - Epehy Wood Farm Cem., Epehy, France
Born - Leicestershire
Enlisted - Grantham, Lincolnshire
Place of Residence - Stathern, Leicestershire, England
Memorial - ST. GUTHLACS CHURCH, STATHERN, LEICS
Memorial - STATHERN METHODIST CHAPEL, LEICS
Memorial - WAR MEMORIAL INSTITUTE, STATHERN, LEICESTERSHIRE"
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