George Allan Maling facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
George Allan Maling
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|
|---|---|
| Born | 6 October 1888 Bishopwearmouth, County Durham |
| Died | 9 July 1929 (aged 40) Lee, Kent |
| Buried |
Chislehurst Cemetery, Kent
|
| Allegiance |  United Kingdom |
| Service/ |
 British Army |
| Rank | Captain |
| Unit | Royal Army Medical Corps |
| Battles/wars | World War I |
| Awards | Victoria Cross |
George Allan Maling (born October 6, 1888 – died July 9, 1929) was a brave English doctor. He received the Victoria Cross, which is the highest award for bravery in battle for British and Commonwealth soldiers. It's given to people who show amazing courage when facing the enemy.
Contents
Early Life & Education
George Allan Maling was born in Bishopwearmouth, County Durham. This area is now part of Sunderland. He was the youngest of nine children. His father was also a doctor.
George went to Uppingham School. After that, he studied science at Exeter College, Oxford. He then continued his medical training at St Thomas' Hospital. He became a qualified doctor in 1914 and 1915.
Serving in World War I
When World War I started, George Maling joined the Royal Army Medical Corps. He became a Lieutenant on January 18, 1915, when he was 26 years old. After five months, he became the medical officer for the 12th Battalion, The Rifle Brigade (Prince Consort's Own).
Heroic Actions at Fauquissart
On September 25, 1915, near Fauquissart, France, Lieutenant Maling showed incredible bravery. He worked for over 24 hours without stopping. He collected and treated more than 300 injured men. He did this out in the open, even though heavy shells were falling all around him.
During that morning, a large shell exploded nearby. It temporarily stunned him and wounded his only helper. Several of his patients were killed. Another shell then covered him and his medical tools with dirt. But he kept working by himself, showing amazing courage.
After the Battle
Because of his brave actions, Maling was mentioned in official reports. He was also promoted to Captain in 1916. He then returned to the UK and worked at a military hospital. Later, he went back to France and served there for two more years.
Family Life
On May 5, 1917, Captain Maling married Daisy Mabel Wolmer. She was from Winnipeg. They got married in Sutton, Surrey. George and Daisy had four children:
- John Allan Maling (1920–2012) also became a doctor. He served in the Second World War.
- Phyllis Mary (1922–2008).
- Edwin Lambton (1922–1941) sadly died young at age 19. He had just joined the Royal Navy.
- Barbara (1926–1949).
After the War
After World War I ended, George Maling continued his medical career. He became the resident Medical Officer at the Victoria Hospital for Children in Chelsea. He then started his own medical practice in Lee. He also worked as a surgeon at St. John's Hospital in Lewisham.
Death and Legacy
George Maling died on July 9, 1929, when he was 40 years old. He passed away after suffering from a lung illness called pleurisy. He was buried in Chislehurst Cemetery.
His Victoria Cross medal is now on display. You can see it at the Army Medical Services Museum in Aldershot. On September 25, 2015, a special paving stone was placed at the Sunderland War Memorial. This stone marks 100 years since George Maling received his Victoria Cross.
