George Arthur Collingwood Hartshorn

George was born in 1895, in Arnold. He was the son of Samuel and Eliza Hartshorn of 102 Furlong Avenue, Arnold. Samuel was born in 1865 and worked as a framework knitter whilst Eliza (nee Clifton) was born in 1864. George had one sister Florence born in 1894 and a younger brother Albert born 1904 he was employed as a clerk by Messers J and R Morley, hosiery manufactures. In the 1911 census the family are all living on Furlong Avenue, George is shown as being 16 years of age and a clerk in a hosiery warehouse.

He was employed as a clerk by Messers J and R Morley Hosiery Manufactures

Corporal George Hartshorn enlisted in Nottingham into 1/7th battalion of the Sherwood Foresters (Robin Hood Rifles), and left for France on 18th August 1915. They took up position in the Ypres salient between Hill 60 and St Eloi. He was wounded at St Eloi, France. His wounds were such that he was returned to hospital at Newcastle in England but unfortunately he was overcome by the effects of his wounds and died on the 20th November 1915. His body was brought home and buried in Arnold Cemetery. A flag draped coffin was taken to the grave with a large crowd in attendance.

He is buried at Arnold, Redhill Cemetery and his grave is marked with a commonwealth war grave commission head stone Death notice published 22nd November 1915 in the Nottingham Evening Post :- “HARTSHORN. – Died of wounds received in action, Corpl. G. A. C. Hartshorn, 1/7th Notts. and Derby., aged 20 years. Funeral Thursday, November 25th, 2.30, Cemetery, Arnold, Notts.” An article was published on 26th November 1915 in the Nottingham Daily Express :- “ARNOLD HERO. “Fallen Robin Hood Buried with Military Honours. “Arnold yesterday paid a sincere tribute of devotion to a Robin Hood hero whose body was conveyed from a Newcastle Military Hospital for burial in the historic township. A large number of people followed the flag-covered coffin, and a still larger gathering assembled at the the graveside. “The dead soldier was Corporal G. A. C. Hartshorn, aged 20, of Nelson-road, Arnold. He was wounded some time ago in the trenches of Northern France, and was taken to a hospital at Newcastle, where, as stated above, he succumbed. “A service was held at St. Paul's Church, Daybrook, and was conducted by the Rev. J. W. Farrall (the vicar), who was assisted by the Rev. R. C. Rogerson, Mrs. T. Potter, of Daybrook House, played the Dead March in “Saul,” and also the hymn “Rock of Ages.” “Before the dead corporal enlisted, it may be mentioned, he was a member of the choir of St. Paul's Church, of which his father is choirmaster. The customary three volleys were fired over the grave by a firing party from Grantham Camp, and buglers sounded the “Last Post.” “The firing party were under the charge of Lieutenant Coulby, who represented also Colonel C. W. Birkin. “Many beautiful floral tributes were placed on the grave. “Messrs. I. and R. Morley, by whom Hartshorn was employed prior to joining the Colours, sent representatives from both Daybrook and Nottingham offices. “In addition to the family mourners there were present at the graveside Messrs. C. Etherington, E. P. Bradford, S. Goodall, and W. Sansom; and Mr. H. Lee, representing the Rushcliffe Division Parliamentary Recruiting Committee. The Arnold Liberal Club was represented by the secretary and several members of the committee.” Above article and noticies are courtesy of Jim Grundy and his facebook pages Small Town Great War Hucknall 1914-1918