THE LIFE of George Aldridge read out by Stewards Academy student, Katie.

This project is brought with the assistance of Harlow Council’s Civic Fund and HTS (Property and Environment) Limited.

George Aldridge

George’s parents were Thomas Aldridge, born in Roydon in c.1870 and Adelaide Elizabeth Saville, born in Albury, Hertfordshire in c.1872. They married in 18921 and George Aldridge was born in 18962.

By the time of the 1911 census, Thomas and Adelaide had five children including George. His siblings were Adelaide, George, Annie and Mary. Thomas and Adelaide’s children were all born in Roydon. However by 1911 the family had moved and were living in five rooms at Endway, Great Parndon. Thomas was a horsekeeper on a farm.

Private George Aldridge, 32038, enlisted in Harlow in October 1916 and joined The 1st Battalion of The Essex Regiment. The Essex Regiment suffered heavy losses during the Battle of the Somme in July 1916. Approximately 949 men from the Regiment are commemorated on the Theipval Memorial to the Missing.

George was wounded whilst fighting in the 1st and 2nd Battles of The Scarpe, part of The Battle of Arras in April 1917. He died as a result of these wounds on 25 April 1917 at the age of 19 and
is buried in Duisan’s British Cemetery, Etrun, France. Plot 3, row F, grave 9. Register Index Number Fr.113.