Photograph of Walter Croft

George Croft was born in 1891 to Tom and Mary Croft. His father died in 1901 and, when war broke out, the family was living in Pearson Terrace in Barnard Castle. Two elder brothers had emigrated to Canada, and George worked as an apprentice in Winpenny and Sons tailoring and clothier shop in Barnard Castle before he joined up. He served in France with the 15th Battalion, Durham Light Infantry and was killed at Bullecourt by a shell burst while sending a message by telephone on 3 May 1917. He was awarded the Military Medal and the Croix de Guerre and is buried in Cojeul Cemetery.

George’s brothers Thomas Francis (born 1893), Walter (born 1895) and Stanley Septimus (born 1899) all served during the war and survived.

Thomas was working as an apprentice in London when war broke out. He enlisted in November 1914 and served with 5th Battalion, London rifle Brigade. He served in France until he was severely wounded in the leg, an injury that caused him to limp for the rest of his life. He was discharged in 1916 as unfit for service. Walter worked as a miner until he enlisted in September 1914. He served in the Royal Naval Division and was involved in action at Antwerp and the Dardanelles. He was discharged in December 1918 to work as a miner at Ashington (Northumberland).
Stanley was called up in late 1917 and served in the Northamptonshire and Suffolk Regiments but did not see active service overseas. He returned to Barnard Castle to his widowed mother and sister Nellie, a former munitions worker.