Soldier Record

George Thorley volunteered in 1914 and went to France in 1915. He served in the Amiens area and then around Albert and Ypres. In 1917 his regiment was transferred to Italy where they took part in the fighting around Mt. Grappa, crossing the Piave after the Armistice. Serving in a Pioneer Battalion he was fortunate not to be directly involved in any of the big attacks. His work was always in and around the front line. He describes many hazardous incidents in the journals which he kept during all service.

Originally from Staffordshire he settled first in Whitworth near Rochdale and then in Rochdale itself. He was greatly affected by what he experienced and saw and apparently suffered from nightmares for many years after the war had ended. He became active in the Peace Pledge Union in the 30s and was a Methodist lay preacher all his life. My great uncle John (Jack), his younger brother also survived the conflict. Remembrance Day is particularly poignant for me as 11th November was my Grandfather's birthday.