George Edward WHITE

08 June 1917

AN ELSLACK FARMER MISSING

Mr. John M. White, Low Ground, Elslack has received official intimation from the Records Office, York, that his son, Pte. George E. White of the West Riding Regiment, is reported missing since the 25th of April. Prior to joining the Army Pte. White assisted his father on his farm.

19 October 1917

EARBY – THE BRAVE LADS WHO NEVER RETURNED

Mrs. Arthur Duckworth, 1, Riverside Terrace, Earby, has received the following letter from the British Red Cross in reply to enquiries about her husband, Private A. Duckworth, West Riding Regiment, reported missing on April 25th:– “We have been endeavouring for some time to obtain information with regard to your husband, and today have received our first report, but I am sorry to say it does not give a very hopeful account of what occurred on April 25th. Our informant, Sergt. Frederick Fletcher of the same regiment and company (now in Harborne Hall V.A.D. Hospital Birmingham), states:– “Pte. Duckworth was known to me as being in my ‘D’ Company, 14 Platoon, and I identify him by his number. We all went over with the first wave of attack at Bullecourt in the early morning of April 25th about 4 a.m. All the men in my Battalion, company and platoon were badly cut up that day by machine gun fire. No men were captured, but our losses were terrible. I cannot say definitely what happened to this man after I saw him last, nor do I think under the circumstances anyone can say more than that he went out and was subjected to sweeping gun fire and never returned. I did not leave my unit until the 31st August 1917.”

“We are continuing our enquiries on your behalf and will forward you any information directly we receive it. Please accept our very sincere sympathy in your anxiety.

“Yours faithfully, J. HOWARD (for the Earl of Lucan).”

Two other Earby soldiers: Private White and Private Laycock – belonging the same Company, were reported missing at the same time.

25 April 1919

WHITE – In loving remembrance of our dear son and brother, Private George E. White, of the 9th Duke of Wellington’s Regiment, who was reported missing on April 25th, 1917, and afterwards presumed killed on that date.

No one knows how much we miss him,
Only those who have loved and lost
Can tell of the grief that is borne in silence,
For the one we loved so well.

From his loving Father and Mother, and Brothers at Low Ground, Elslack.

30 April 1920

WHITE – In loving memory of our dear son, Pte. George E. White, who was reported missing on 25th April, 1917, later presumed to have died on that date.

“Ever remembered.”

“The Lord’s will be done.”

From his loving Father, Mother and Brothers.