Corporal George Richard Tait - MM
| Date of Birth | 10 February 1892 |
|---|---|
| Age at Death | 26 |
| Date of Death | 28 October 1918 |
| Service Number | 1547 |
| Military Service | 5C Reserve Brigade, Royal Field Artillery |
| Merton Address | 14, Pelham Road, Wimbledon |
| Local Memorial | Wimbledon Parish Church |
Additional Information
Born on 10 February 1892, George was the son of Robert and Rose Tait. The couple also had a younger daughter, Adela. Robert Tait was a draper’s assistant. His family must have lived in North London during the late nineteenth century as George attended Duncombe Road School, Islington from 1896 onwards. In 1901 the family was living in Lambeth Walk, however by 1911 they had moved to 248 Haydons Road, Wimbledon. By that stage 19 year old George was employed as a milkman. The following year he married Annie Hillman and the couple set up home at 14, Pelham Road.
George enlisted at Kingston in 1914 and went into the Royal Field Artillery as a driver. Most of the army’s large artillery guns were still pulled by horses and George’s wagon experience as a milkman is likely to have proven useful. He was initially based in the UK but was later sent to France, where he was promoted to Corporal.
George was one of only 1.5% of service personnel to be awarded the Military Medal for an act of bravery in the field of battle. His award, published in the London Gazette on 23 February 1918, appears to have been made following action that took place some 3 months earlier but we do not have any further details.
At the age of 26, George died in the Royal Herbert Hospital, Woolwich on 28 October 1918, less than a month before the Armistice. He was buried in Woolwich Cemetery and is also commemorated with a monumental inscription at Wimbledon Parish Church.
The family suffered further tragedy at this time, when George’s 1 year old daughter, Elsie, died. The following year her seven year old sister, Dorothy also died. Both girls were laid to rest alongside their father.