Cyril George Huskinson

Cyril George was the son of George Albert and Mary Jane Huskinson (née Jones). His father George Albert was born in Basford in 1868, the son of George and Rebecca Huskinson. His mother Mary Jane was born in Molesworth, Huntingdonshire, on 25 September 1864, the daughter of Thomas and Rebecca Jones. In 1871 the family was living in Oundle, Northamptonshire. However, by 1881 Mary (17) was a scullery maid at Paxton Park, Little Paxton, Huntingdonshire, one of nearly 20 staff, including a governess, nurse, valet, butler, cook and eleven indoor servants, in the employ of Lord Esme Stuart Gordon, Marquis of Huntly Gordon. George Albert and Mary Jane were married at Basford Register Office in 1889 (J/F/M Basford) and had four children, one of whom died in childhood. All were born in Basford and three were baptised at Basford St Leodegarius: Maud Mary b. 15 February 1889 bap. 18 March 1889; Elsie Eveline b. 1893 bap. 11 September 1893 d. 1897 (J/F/M); Cyril George b. 1899 bap. 31 July 1899 and Winonda (Winnie) Doris b. 7 March 1904. In 1889 when their first child was baptised George and Mary were living at 10 Reigate Road, Basford, but by 1891 George (22), a builder's clerk, and Mary (26) were living on Vernon Road, Basford, with their daughter Maud (2). Also in the household was a boarder, Jesse Aldridge (21), a railway porter. George and Mary's second daughter, Elsie Eveline was born two years later but died in 1897 aged 3. The family was living at 32 Vernon Avenue in 1901: Albert (sic), Mary, Maud and Cyril (1). However, they had moved to 43 Vernon Avenue by the time of the 1911 census but only two of their children, Cyril and Winnie (7), were in the home on the night of the census. The eldest daughter, Maud, had married Horace Gee in 1908 and in 1911 she and Horace, a brewer's assistant, were living at 38 Vernon Avenue with their son Ronald Horace (b. 21 February 1908)) and Janet Zillah (birth registered 1911 J/F/M). Also in the household was a boarder, Ada Zazer (42, widow), a tailoress. George Albert died in August 1916. Cyril's mother was still living at 45 Vernon Avenue when her son's death was confirmed in 1919. However, by the time the 1939 England & Wales Register was compiled she was living with her married daughter Winonda and her husband at 89 Vernon Avenue. Mary probably died in 1951. Of Cyril's two sisters: Maud Mary (Gee) and her husband probably had four more children: Evelyn b. 16 January 1915, Dulcie b. 6 March 1920 (m. Boaden ), Doreen M b. 1925 (m. Wright) and Donald E. b. 1930. In 1939 Horace (b. 21 October 1886), a landscape gardener, and Maud, a hospital daily cleaner, were living at 45 Vernon Avenue, Basford. Also in the home were their children Dulcie, an underwear machinist and Evelyn (m. O'Connor) an underwear cutter. The records of three other members of the household remain closed. Horace died in 1959 and Maud in 1975 (reg. J/F/M). Winonda Doris married John Lucas (b. 1 August 1901) in 1931; there were probably no children of the marriage. In 1939 they were living with her widowed mother at 89 Vernon Avenue, Basford; John's occupation was given as perambulator and coach painter. John died in 1968 and Winonda Doris in 1984 (J/F/M Nottingham).

91562 Private Cyril George Huskinson was conscripted into 1st battalion Sherwood Foresters (Notts and Derby Regiment) in February 1917. He would have gone overseas in 1918 when after the German Spring Offensives, manpower was short. Many 18 year olds found themselves on the front line as the Allied armies attempted to stop the enemy onslaught. The 1st battalion had been involved in heavy fighting on the Somme and desperately needed rest and it also had a large number of young drafts who needed time to assimilate. It was decided that the quiet area on the Chemin Des Dames ridge. Unfortunately the German armies next attack would fall upon these tired and weak battalions. On 26th enemy shelled the area heavily and at 4 am on 27th an officer patrol reported that the British wire had not been cut and no enemy could be seen. Half an hour later the well hidden German infantry struck and the Battle of the Aisne began. The allied troops were overwhelmed and a retreat began. Some units were completely surrounded but all gave ground inch by inch at great cost. Despite the enemy attacking in overwhelming numbers an orderly retreat to a new defensive line was made. The losses for the Foresters were terribly heavy with 110 being killed in action on the day, of whom Cyril was one. All but seven men have no known grave and are commemorated on the Soissons memorial. The battalion's losses amounted to 680 all ranks with many being wounded or missing. Cyril was reported missing in action on 27 May 1918 but his death was not confirmed until August the following year. He is one of those commemorated on the Soissons Memorial, France. Cyril qualified for the British War Medal and Victory Medal.

Soldiers Died in the Great War - Huskinson Cyril George, born Nottingham, enlisted Nottingham, abode Basford Notts, 91562 Private, killed in action, France and Flanders, 27/5/18 British Red Cross & Order of St John Enquiry List, Wounded & Missing 1914-1919: M [Missing]. May 27/18 Theatre of War, BEF. Nottingham Evening Post, ’Roll of Honour’, 18 August 1919: ‘Huskinson. Reported missing May 27th, 1918, now officially reported killed on that date. Pte Cyril S Huskinson, 91562, 1/7th Notts and Derby Regt., aged 18 years and 10 months, the only beloved son of Mrs and the late Albert G Huskinson, 45, Vernon-avenue, Basford. Cherished hopes. From his loving mother and sisters Winnie and Maud, and brother-in-law Horace.’ (www.britishnewspaperarchive.co.uk) Nottingham Evening Post,’Roll of Honour’, 18 August 1919: ‘Huskinson. Reported missing May 27th, 1918, now officially reported killed on that date. Pte Cyril S Huskinson, 91562, 1/7th Notts and Derby Regt. An unknown grave is the bitterest blow. Sorrowing (-) [?fiancee] Florrie and Mr and Mrs Hooton.’ (www.britishnewspaperarchive.co.uk) Army Registers of Soldiers' Effects - Huskinson, Cyril George, 1st Bn N &Dby, Pte, 91562. 27/5/18 Officially accepted; £7-3s-4d (Including £5 war gratuity) 31/12/1919 - Mother Mary J;