George Astill

Son of Joseph & Sarah Astill they lived in Forest Fields, but had moved to 27 Gloucester Ave, Lenton by 1909. On the 1911 census the family were living at 402 Radford Road, Nottingham. According to his service record George had achieved a certificate of Education 3rd Class on 29 April 1910. George had three brothers, Arthur, Joseph and Fred, and two sisters Lizzie and Grace. Joseph took receipt of George's effects when they were returned from the front. These included letters, Xmas cards, a photo and a leather wallet.

George stated he was a General Labourer when he enlisted in 1909

George was a professional solider serving with the Sherwood Foresters having enlisted 4 August 1909 at Nottingham. He had originally signed on with the Notts & Derby regiment Special Reserve in March 1909 and he was subsequently posted to the 4th Battalion According to his service records he was 5ft 5 1/2inches tall and weighed 130 lbs. In 1911 he was at the Crowhill barracks, Plympton Devon. According to his service record he contracted syphilis on 25 Nov 1912 and over the next year was given mercury treatment. On 28 Aug 1913 he was transferred to the Home Battalion and further treatments were given. He was moved around the country to Strenshall, then Sheffield until he was finally clear of the disease in 1914. He served from Aug 1909 until Sep 1911 at Home then went to the East Indies for a couple of years. After returning Home he was promoted to Lance Corporal on 3 Nov 1914 just prior to leaving for France on 4 Nov 1914 with the Expeditionary force. He was killed in action and is commemorated on the Le Touret Memorial, France. He was eligible for the British & Victory medals and the 1914 Star and these were sent to his Mother who was now living at 'Gwenarth', Mapperley Plains.

In memoriam published 27th December 1915 in the Nottingham Evening Post :- “ASTILL. – In loving memory of our dear son and brother, Lance-Corpl. George Astill, killed in action, December 27th 1914, at Neuve Chapelle. He did his duty. Dearly loved by mother, father, brothers, and sisters.” Article published in the Nottingham Evening Post 5th February 1915 :- KILLED IN ACTION. “Sherwood Forester who Gave his Life for his Country. “The picture published is that of Lance-Corporal G. Astill, of the 1st Battalion of the Sherwood Foresters, who was killed in action on December 27th. The deceased soldier joined the Sherwood Foresters three and half years ago, and had spent the last three years in India. He came to England in November with the Indian detachment, spending four days’ leave with his parents, who reside in Hazel-grove, Mapperley Plains. He was a brother of Mr. Arthur Astill, well-known in music-hall circles as the "Whistling Ploughboy.” Above is courtesy of Jim Grundy and his facebook pages Small Town Great War Hucknall 1914-1918