George Stringer facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
George Stringer
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| Born | 24 January 1889 Miles Platting, Manchester |
| Died | 10 November 1957 (aged 68) Oldham, Lancashire |
| Buried |
Philips Park Cemetery, Manchester
(53°29′20.5″N 2°11′59″W / 53.489028°N 2.19972°W) |
| Allegiance |  United Kingdom |
| Service/ |
 British Army |
| Years of service | 1905–1917 |
| Rank | Private |
| Unit | Manchester Regiment |
| Battles/wars | World War I |
| Awards |  Victoria CrossMentioned in Despatches Gold Medal for Bravery (Serbia) |
George Stringer (born 24 July 1889 – died 22 November 1957) was a brave soldier from Miles Platting, Manchester, England. He received the Victoria Cross, which is the highest and most important award for bravery given to soldiers in the British and Commonwealth forces. It's given for amazing courage when facing the enemy.
Contents
George's Early Life and Army Start
After school, George Stringer worked for a company that dyed and bleached cloth. In 1905, he joined the Lancashire Fusilier Volunteers. This was a type of local army unit. Just before World War I began, he joined a unit of the Manchester Regiment. He then became an active soldier with their 1st Battalion.
His Military Career in World War I
George's unit fought in France until December 1915. Then, in January 1916, they were sent to Mesopotamia. He earned his Victoria Cross for his heroic actions during the Battle of Es Sinn on March 8, 1916. This battle was part of an effort to help British and Indian Army troops who were surrounded at Kut-el-Amara.
The Act of Bravery: Holding the Line
George Stringer showed incredible bravery and determination. After his unit captured an enemy position, he was placed on the far right side. His job was to guard against any enemy attacks. Later, his battalion was forced to retreat because of an enemy counter-attack.
However, Private Stringer stayed in his spot all by himself. He fought off the enemy until he had used all his hand-grenades. His very brave stand saved the side of his battalion. It also allowed his fellow soldiers to pull back safely. This amazing act of courage was written about in the London Gazette.
Awards and Later Life
Because of his bravery, Stringer was also Mentioned in Despatches. This means his actions were officially recognized in military reports. He also received the Gold Medal for Bravery (Serbia) from the Kingdom of Serbia. Later, he was wounded in battle. He also got sick with enteric fever and jaundice. Because of this, he was sent back to the UK in June 1917.
After the war, George Stringer received a disability pension. He also got a job as a doorkeeper for the Manchester Assistance Board. He kept this job until he retired at age 62. During World War II, he even worked for a time making munitions. He passed away six years later in Oldham. He was buried in Philips Park Cemetery, near another Victoria Cross recipient, William Jones VC.
Today, George Stringer's medals are kept at the Museum of The Manchester Regiment. This museum is located in Ashton-under-Lyne, Greater Manchester.
See also
