Anderson, George

No.4663 Private George Anderson – 28^th Battalion

George Anderson was born in Rawdon, Leeds Yorkshire in 1883. After attending the local Church of England school, George took up work as a Gardener. He left England on the 12^th November 1910 aged 25 and arrived in Fremantle in early 1911. After arriving he set up home in Fremantle and took up work as a Motor Driver.

George enlisted into the AIF on the 13^th February 1916 and after being passed as fit by the medical officer was found to be 5 feet 8 inches in height; weighed 147 lbs; had a chest measurement of 34-37 inches; fair complexion, brown hair & brown eyes.

After a month in camp, George was assigned to the 12^th Reinforcements to the 28^th battalion. This group left Fremantle on the 17^th April 1916 aboard the HMAT A60 Aeneas. Upon arrival in England the men were sent to the 7^th Training Battalion for further instruction. George left England on the 9^th September 1916 and joined up with his battalion in the field on the 24^th September.

George was evacuated sick on the 26^th January 1917, rejoining the 28^th Battalion on the 1^st April 1917. He fought with his unit through the actions at Bullecourt in May 1917 and Third Ypres in September/October 1917. George served right through to mid 1918 with the 28^th without a break.

On the 1^st June 1918 an aerial bomb was dropped on the 28^th Battalion’s lines and inflicted heavy casualties. George was badly hit by shrapnel in the face, femur and leg so was evacuated back to the 5^th Field Ambulance. Unfortunately, he died of wounds the same day and was buried at Querrieu British Cemetery Plot B.28

His father, George Anderson, who resided at Tower Hill Gardens, Whixley, Yorkshire received his son’s effects and medals