George Henry Merricks

Rank: Private

Regiment: 13th Battalion (Southdowns) Royal Sussex Regiment

Parents: Mr Joseph & Mrs Emily Merricks (nee Freelove)

Brothers: Joseph Merricks, Jack Merricks & Bert William Merricks

Address: 59 Percy Road, Ore

Other Info: According to CWGC, George died on 30th June 1916. He is remembered at the Loos Memorial on panel 69 to 73.

Born Portsea, Hampshire. Joseph having being discharged from the Navy invalided in 1883 with the rank of Petty officer 1st Class
1901, 4 Breeds Cottages, Ore – These were besides the Kings head Inn and a dairy farm, Rye Road
1911, 80 Church Street, Ore
1914, Aug 6: On outbreak of war volunteered 5th Battalion (Cinque Ports) Royal Sussex Regiment Territorials
1914, Aug 14: Discharged “unlikely to make a good soldier”
1914, Nov: Joined 13th Battalion (3rd South Downs) Royal Sussex Regiment. Service number SD/3167
1915, Jul: The battalion moved to Maidstone Depot
1915, Sep: The battalion moved to Aldershot
1915, Oct: The battalion moved to Whitley
1916, Mar: Landed in Le Harve, France, entered field service
1916, Jun 30: As a diversion to the attack planned on the Somme the next day, the Royal Sussex Regiment attacked German lines at Richebourg l’Avoue, between the towns of Bethune and Armentieres, in the Pas de Calais. The 13th Battalion was all but wiped out. The Battle of Boars Head. George was killed but no remains found. Commemorated on the Loos Memorial
1921, Commemorated on the memorial at Christ Church, Ore

Note, on 30 June the Royal Sussex Regiment visit the area of the battle and lay wreaths at the main cemeteries

Additional information with thanks to Ian Mantel

Published: March 1916

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