Military History

George is listed by the CWGC as being presumed to have died on 21 Oct 1914 (see below). He was listed as missing in action and his death on the 21st was not confirmed until over 7 months later on 15 May 1915. The 2nd Battalion war diary for the period 18th to 23rd October is transcribed below.

Zonnebeek 18th Oct 1914: Moved at 5am to wood in Veldhoek and at 5pm marched to Becclare where Battalion billetted for the night.

Becclare, 19th Oct 1914: Marched off at 5am towards Menin . Attacked enemy at Dadizeele. Went through last named but had to retire owing to German Division coming up from direction of Rouvers. Retired to Zonnebeke.

Zonnebeke 20th Oct 1914: Prepared for battle in Zonnebeke District by entrenching.

Zonnebeke 21st Oct 1914: Enemy attacked our trenches at daybreak 1st day of the Battle of Zonnebeke (Ypres). 1st experience of German  high explosive shell (Black Marias'). A great many casualties. Retired at 1.0am to Railway Crossing SW of Zonnebeke.

Zonnebeke 22nd Oct 1914: Entrenched S of Railway Crossing. Remained all day. Slight shelling, left trenches after dark.

Zonnebeke 23rd Oct 1914: 3rd Day of Battle of Zonnebeke, march out at 5.30am towards Zonnebeke but received order to retire to our trenches where we remained in reserve for the day.

Military History

Raymond is listed as being killed in action on 12th November 1916. The 10th Battalion was diary entries for the period 11th to 13th November are transcribed below.

Front Line [near Ovilliers] 11.11.16: Work on trenches continued. Enemy artillery fairly active throughout the day.
Casualties: Wounded 5

Front Line 12.11.16: Work on trenches continued. Dugout frames and sandbags carried from RE Dump to support line.

In afternoon Battalion took over line held by 6^th Wilts as far as R.21.a.3.6.

In the evening the Battn was relieved by 7^th E Lancs R. A quiet relief. Relief completed about 9.30pm

Battalion marched back to Bow Huts near Donnets Post (Wellington Huts)

Casualties: killed 1, wounded 4, missing 4
Draft: 5 OR (3 rejoining) joined

Wellington Huts – 13.11.16: Day devoted to cleaning up and preparation for operation. In afternoon Coys had to evacuate 10 huts to make room for 8^th N Staffs and D Coy and ½ C Coy moved to Cromwell Huts

Military History

Harry died of Malignant Endocarditis at 9pm on 17th October 1918 at the Southern Military Hospital, Southmead, Bristol having previously been treated in Military Hospitals in Etaples, France and London. He had been wounded on two previous occassions.

He was awarded the Military Medal for his bravery in the field on 16th September 1916 during the Battle of the Somme.

Obitutary - Stratford Herald - Friday 25th October 1918
DIED OF SICKNESS - C.Q.M.S. H. G. SYMINGTON MM

After a distinguished military career Harry Gold Symington, only son of Mr. Sam Symington of High Street passed away last week at the 2nd Southern Military Hospital, Southmead, Bristol. A native of Leamington, he achieved much success in his earlier years in swimming. He won his first prize when only eight or nine years of age and this was followed by honours which made his name familiar in all swimming circles in the Midland Counties. To him fell the unique distinction of winning outright two silver challenge cups for the half mile championship of Warwickshire (each trophy having to be won three times before it became his property) and among numerous other prizes were gold medals won at Birmingham when he was the runner up on two occasions for the half mile championship of the Midland Counties. He was also a keen rifleman and was instrumental in founding a prosperous shooting club at Ilminster, Somerset. On two occasions he had the distinction of being a member of the team to compete in the county championship final at Bisley. Fifty medals in addition to other trophies, bear witness to his achievements in shooting and swimming.

When his country’s call came in August 1914 he joined Kitchener’s Army. He left for France in May 1915 as a corporal and the rapid promotion which attended him was solely due to his fine soldierly attributes and conspicuous service in the field. He was wounded on two occasions, but neither was of a serious nature. After three years stern campaigning his health gave way and he was sent to hospital at Etaples, where his father visited him.

At the end of July he was removed to London and about a month ago to the 2nd Southern Military Hospital at Southmead, Bristol. Unfortunately, his constitution was unable to withstand the ravages of three years’ active service and although the end came somewhat suddenly at nine o’clock on Thursday night it was not unexpected. He would have completed his forty-second year on Tuesday last.

To the bereaved father the sympathy of all Stratfordians will be extended. His cup of sorrow is full to overflowing. Nearly eighteen months ago his brother passed away to be followed at a brief interval by the tragic death of his talented daughter, Miss Mabel Symington. Another near relative to whom he was greatly attached sank to his rest shortly afterwards. On November 17th his son-in-law was killed in action after six weeks’ service in France and two days later his wife passed over to the great majority. Now he mourns the death of his only son.

The funeral took place at Arnos Vale cemetery on Wednesday. The first part of the service was held at the chapel attached to the Royal Bristol Infirmary and was conducted by the Vicar of St. Matthew’s Moorfields. The mourners were Mrs. H. G. Symington (widow), Mr. S. Symington (father), Mrs. Cobb (sister) Mr. F. Beer, Mr. Hoare and Miss Beer. Many beautiful wreaths were laid on the grave.

Military History