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L/Cpl. Henry Cornelius George
Australian Army 31st Battalion
from:Jundah, Queensland, Australia
(d.8th August 1918)
Harry George was born in Barcaldine, Queensland on 17 July 1891 and grew up in Jundah, Queensland where his family owned a property. He moved around central western Queensland working as a shearer and labourer. Harry was working in Winton, Queensland when war broke out. He travelled by train to Townsville, North Queensland, a 579km trip, where he joined the AIF on 30th Dec. 1915 before shipping to the Enoggera Army Barracks, Brisbane.
On 10th of May 1916, Harry was assigned to the 41st Battalion, C Company prior to travelling to Sydney and shipping out on 18th May on board HMAT A64 Demosthenes. While on board Demosthenes, Harry was charged with the crime of breaking away from quarters while on active service, classified under mutiny. He forfeited 20 days pay. The Demosthenes arrived Plymouth, England on the 20th of July 1916. The battalion was based at Larkhill, Salisbury Plain for training. While at Larkhill Harry was transferred to the 31st Battalion then the 52nd Battalion at which time he was sent to Etaples, France as reinforcement for the 52nd, arriving at Etaples 30th September 1916. A week later Harry was reassigned from the 52nd to the 31st. Harry was appointed Lance Corporal 12th October 1917 until he lost his stripes in early June 1917 along with 15/- pay for going AWOL for 2 days in early May. He was reinstated as a Lance Corporal 1st Sept. 1917.
The 31st Battalion was involved in the Battle of Amiens which commenced on 8th August 1918. During the first hour of the battle while advancing on Warfusee Harry was hit on the shoulder and down the side of his body by a Whizz Bang. He was dazed and able to speak but died within the hour while waiting for a stretcher. During this time Pte. S.V. Shekleton, who was also injured by the same shell, remained by his side. Many of the records indicate his death as being on 9th August though those who witnessed it state the 8th. Harry's death was not officially confirmed until 1st October 1918. Over this 2-3 month period Harry's family sought confirmation of his whereabouts from both the military and Red Cross sources as they were initially informed that he had been wounded.
No identified burial place is recorded for Harry, something his family desperately wanted to know and have a photo of. It is recorded he was buried near Warfusee though this is unconfirmed. Harry's name is inscribed on the memorial at Villers-Bretonneux, France. He is also remembered by the people of Jundah, Winton and Barcaldine as part of their war memorials, the place where he was born, grew up and from where he enlisted.
; Melvill Gill (Seated); Jack Howard (right).jpg)