CULSHAW, George Pte. 15849

George Culshaw enlisted at Chorley on the 22nd September 1914.

Born in Skelmersdale in 1889, he was 27 years of age when wounded in the left arm at Serre on the 1st July 1916 being treated in the U.K. at Ninian Park Hospital in Cardiff. Thereafter he was Private 35411, being transferred to the 7th Battalion of the East Lancashire Regiment on the 29th November 1916 and appointed Acting Lance Corporal (unpaid) on the 13th December that year.

He was based in the U.K. until being sent to France on the 18th June 1917 with the 3rd Battalion, having spent some time in hospital at Lincoln during the spring. He returned to England in February 1918, spending a month on leave. He was sent back to the front on the 13th March 1918, being gassed on the 24th April. He was treated at Keighley Hospital and finally discharged from the Army on the 22nd November 1918, having spent some time on light duties at Ripon Camp.

George Culshaw worked as a Coremaker at Horwich Locomotive Works. He married Nora Gillett at St. James’ Church in Chorley on the 22nd March 1913, having three children – Annie (born later in 1913), George (born 5th March 1915 whilst his father was in Caernarvon with the Pals) and Margaret (born 1917). The family lived at 192 Lyons Lane in early 1915 but were at 81 Eaves Lane in December when young George died of pneumonia; George senior was with the Pals at Hurdcott Camp on Salisbury Plain, getting ready to embark for Egypt. His discharge papers upon leaving the Army stated he was returning to live at 93 Eaves Lane in Chorley.