15454 Private George Savage

15454 Private George Savage born in 1896 in Biddulph, Staffordshire. George was the 4^th eldest child of David and Hannah Savage of 16 Welsh Row, Mow Cop.

George enlisted on 31^st August 1914, he was unmarried, occupation collier, height 5 foot 5 ¼ inches, weight 135lbs, completion fresh, eyes hazel with brown hair, physically fit.

On his Regiment conduct sheet dated 17^th September 1915, whist training in Aldershot he was reported for “ When on active service found drunk in Lynchford Road about 9:15pm, George was given 21 days confined to Barracks, the term of his punishment ran from 20/09/1915 – 10/10/1915.

George went to France on 28^th September 1915, he died on the 1^st October 1916 in Belgium, his body was never found. But there is a very interesting letter dated 18^th February 1918 from the “The National Federation of Discharged & Demobilised Sailors & Soldiers, Mow Cop & District Branch” to the Officer of Records, South Lancs Regt, at records office in Shrewsbury, it reads:

Dear Sir,

When 15454 Private George Savage (late 8^th Batt South Lancs Regt) of 16 Welsh Row, Mow Cop, Stoke-on-Trent was killed in action Oct 1^st 1916, his mother received a letter from his officer stating that he was killed whilst carrying a wounded comrade in? ? (Words very faint). On behalf of his parents I appeal to you to look up this mans records and see if he was recommended for a distinction decoration or mentioned in dispatches. After being in conversation with an eyewitness of this mans heroic death, I am compelled to admit that he deserved one of England’s highest rewards

The letter is signed by a Joseph Higginson (Secretary)

On his Medal Index Record there is no record of any award being made, also there is no record of the letter, George’s mother received; maybe the family still have it.