220932 Pte. George Robert Ellis British Army 2nd Battalion South Wales Borderers from:Caerphilly My grandfather, George Robert Ellis, served his country throughout the Boer War with the North Hants Regiment, and saw action in at least six major battles as the clasps on his campaign medals testify.
He then enlisted into the Second Battalion of the South Wales Borderers on 5th Sept 1914. He landed as part of the 87th Brigade of the 29th Division at Helles Gallipoli in April 1915. After being withdrawn from Gallipoli he then fought on the opening day of the Battle of the Somme in 1916.
He was discharged from the Army in Sept 1917 due to sickness as a result of battle injuries. He never rose above the rank of private.
At the outset of WWII he volunteered again even though he was over 60. He was given a tin hat and became an air raid warden for the duration. He earned six medals in all; two from the Boer War, three from WWI and one from WWII. In addition he was also awarded a Silver War Badge in WWI. One of the unsung heroes who survived, and never ever talked about his military service. I have in my possession his medals and his service pocket watch issued to him in Sept 1914. This watch is still ticking away, and I wind it every evening in his memory.
He shall grow not old as we who are left grow old, age shall not weary him nor the years condemn, at the going down of the sun and in the morning, I remember him. God rest his soul.
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