Private George Kerry Williamson
| Date of Birth | 11 April 1878 |
|---|---|
| Age at Death | 38 |
| Date of Death | 29 January 1917 |
| Service Number | 42740 |
| Military Service | 12 Battalion Royal Fusiliers |
| Merton Address | 21 Chatsworth Avenue, Merton Park |
| Local Memorial | Rutlish School, Merton |
Additional Information
George Kerry Williamson was born in 1878 in Assam, India and was the third child born to parents William Pope Williamson and Annie Sophia (nee Kerry). His father was born in Bengal India while his mother came from Dorset they had married in Calcutta on 24th November 1874. George was one of ten children all born in India. The youngest, Harold was born in 1894.
George graduated at London University and specialised in teaching French. His first appointment was at Hampton Grammar school where he taught from January to April 1900. In the census of 1901 aged 22, he was working as an Assistant School master at a Mission School in Blackheath Village, London. Most of the teenage boys attending this school appear to have been born in India, Africa or China.
Three of George’s brothers also appear in the census of 1901 and are living in various locations. Leonard aged 17 in Rotherham, John 14 in Hornsey and Wilfrid aged 12 was at school in Norfolk.
George became a teacher at Rutlish School in Merton in September 1901 and remained teaching there for several years.
George’s father William aged 62 died in September 1904. His death was registered in Surrey so he too must have returned to England at some stage.
In April 1906 George aged 28 married Ida Eliza Baxter-Scott – Marriage registered Kingston Surrey.
In the census of 1911 George and Ida are boarders living at 131 Kings Road Cardiff. George’s occupation is listed as a Secondary School Master for Cardiff City Council.
Georges mother Annie and three siblings are living in an 8 room house at 272 Ferme Park Road in Hornsey, Leonard aged 27, Dorothy aged 20 and Harold aged 17.
On 30th August 1912 George sailed on the SS Celtic from Queenstown in Ireland and arrived in New York on 7th September 1912. His purpose to visit a friend in Beaumont California. He was described as: 5ft 6 inches tall with a fresh complexion, fair hair and Hazel eyes. His last known address was listed as 272 Ferme Park Road, Hornsey living with his mother Mrs W P Williamson.
When war broke out George was teaching at Rutlish School and living at 21 Chatsworth Avenue, Merton. He enlisted in Wimbledon in 1914 as a private and joined the Royal Fusiliers 12th Battalion. After training he was deployed to France where his battalion was involved in the battle at Delville Wood and Guillemont on the Somme before moving to trenches in Mazingarbe near Loos.
George was wounded on 29th January 1917, evacuated to a clearing station in Bethune where he died the same day. He is buried at Bethane Town cemetery in Pas de Calais, France. He is also remembered on a memorial at Rutlish School.
George also lost two brothers in the war: Harold was killed in action on 16th August 1916 aged 22. Wilfrid, who joined as a Sergeant with the Norfolk Regiment 8th Battalion was awarded an MC, died of wounds in Belgium on 14th August 1917. Wilfrid’s address was 96 Arthur Road, Wimbledon.