Jan to Mar 1899

Born

In the Parish of Rusthall, Kent; registered at Tonbridge District, Kent; ref: 1899 Q1 Vol 2a Page 749

1911 Census
Tunbridge Wells, Kent

1901

Canfield boys
l to r: Alfred, George & Walter

c 1910

The White Hart
Canfield family pub

1918

George Canfield, MM, WWI

25^th April 1918

Died

At near Amiens on the Somme in the Country of France; severely wounded by a shell and died the same day, aged 19 years

After 25^th April 1918

Buried

At Vignacourt British Cemetery in the Country of France

 

May 1918

 

Rifleman S/36244 George William Canfield MM, 2nd Bn., Rifle Brigade (The Prince Consort's Own) who died on Thursday 25th April 1918, aged 19.
George was born in Rusthall, the second son of Walter and Rosetta Canfield of the White Hart Public House, Lower Green Road, Rusthall.
George had formerly been a member of the Royal Army Service Corp. Whilst serving with the Rifle Brigade near Amiens on the Somme George was severely wounded by a shell and died the same day. He had only been in France one month and in the firing line just a few days.
In late May Mr. and Mrs Canfield received a letter from Sergeant J. Gibson. It read:
"As Sergeant in charge or your sons platoon I convey our sympathy. Your son did his duty well. On 24th April we were holding an advance post when the Bosche opened out his offensive. Your son volunteered to go to G. H. Q. with a message under heavy shell and rifle fire and got back alright. During the afternoon I had reason to send another message and called for a volunteer and your son came forward again with great courage. He got very near his destination when he had the misfortune to be wounded. He lay out for several hours but as soon as it got dark I sent out two men to get him away and he deserves a reward for his gallant work. He will be rewarded, you can rest assured".
Sergeant Gibson was as good as his word and Private George William Canfield was posthumously awarded the Military Medal.

13^th June 1918

Military Medal citation