Soldier Record
George Groom
Contributed by: Roseann Ditchfield, on 2008-11-07
| Rank | |
|---|---|
| First Name | George |
| Surname | Groom |
| Year of Birth | 1890 |
| Year of Death | Unknown |
| Regiment | South Staffordshire Regiment |
| Place of Wartime Residence | Cradley Heath |
George's Story
My great grandfather, George Groom was born in April 1890. (Aprox) He was married at the Parish Church Reddal Hill on 20th March 1911 to Rose Anne Dunn. On 1st May 1913 their son, Frank George Groom (my grandfather) was born.
When my great grandfather enlisted in the army his wife Rose Anne was 7 months pregnant with their second child John Charles Groom. On 24 August 1914, when George was 24 years and four months of age, he signed up at Brierley Hill for three years Short Service with the Colours (infantry) after being declared fit for army service. George joined the army at Aldershot.
His service records describe George at enlistment as being 5ft 4" tall, weight: 122lbs (I think this is about 8st 10lb) Chest girth: 34" range of expansion 3" (For fitting of uniform I would guess). His complexion is described as sallow. His eyes Hazel, Hair colour: dark brown. Living Netherend, Cradley.
The short service form is stamped 6th Battn. Leicestershire Regt. And states: 'you may be retained after the termination of hostilities until your services can be spared, but such retention shall in no case exceed six months. If however the war is over in less than 3 years you will be discharged with all... (The rest is illegible as it is handwritten).
His son, John Charles was born on 31October 1914. George was reported as injured and visiting the infirmary on the 31 Dec 1915. When he had a burn of some kind. He served in France between 1916-18 and was reported as wounded and shell-shocked 13.04.1917. He was reported again as being injured on the 25 April 1918. He was discharged from the colours on 03 February 1919 then went on to serve with the 3rd Leicestershire Pr Bn South Staffs regiment, company B. Rank: Private.
Whilst with the above regiment he overstayed his pass from tattoo until 11.00p.m. by 5 days 8 hours 15 minutes and was disciplined on 26 June 1918. He requested discharge from the S.Staffs regiment on 17 Feb 1922. He was awarded 3 medals: The 1914-15 Star on 18.04.1921, the British War Medal and the Victory Medal.
He received his army pay on 6 April 1922. The award is stamped West Midland Regiment.
Other memories
My great grandfathers rank was pte (private)
I did not know my great grandfather
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