My Family History: Lance Corporal George Edward Hindley

Born in Liverpool on 10 December 1894, Lance Corporal George Edward Hindley, my 2x great uncle, was the youngest son of Richard Henry Hindley (1858– 1941) and Rhoda Eugenie Stephens (1857 – 1907).

During World War 1, he served with the 9th Battalion The King’s (Liverpool Regiment), service number 330190.
George was killed in action on 28 August 1918, during the Battle of the Scarpe in northern France.

He is remembered on panels 3 and 4 of the Vis-en-Artois Memorial, 10km southwest of Arras in the Pas de Calais.

The Battle of the Scarpe took place between 26 and 30 August 1918. The 9th Battalion arrived in Henin on the night of the 27th, and took over the line during the night. At 12.30pm on the 28th, an attack was made with Reincourt their final objective. The contact aeroplane received a direct hit. The first objective was reached with no strong resistance. At 1.50pm, the advance continued towards Hendicourt-les-Cagnicourt. There was severe fighting as the village was being heavily shelled. Lt. Williams decided to withdraw. Groups of many Battalions were involved and consequently mixed up. Many attempts were made to effect communication with the 171st Brigade, but, owing to casualties to the Battalion runners during the advance, they were not successful. Positions gained were held despite very heavy shelling and machine gun fire. In this operation, one Major was killed, 11 officers wounded, and 231 other ranks (including George) became casualties.

The following is taken from The 9th King’s (Liverpool Regiment) in the Great War 1914-1918 by Enos H G Roberts:

"2nd Battle of Arras: 28th August: Order received at 6am attack that day. First objective Hoop Lane, then the village of Riencourt. At 12.30pm, the barrage came down and men moved forward. Going not easy because of wire and numerous shell holes. Shortly after 12.30, the contact plane crashed because of a direct hit. Very heavy machine gun fire from Copse Trench. Fag Alley was reached and prisoners taken or killed. About 1.50pm, the Battalion continued the advance from the first objective and swung left in the direction of the village of Hendecourt. Resistence strong. Machine guns captured several men. Entered Hendecourt, but no other British soldiers there so withdrew to Cemetery Avenue, although under heavy fire from Crows Nest. In the evening, field gunners were firing at close range. Troops got mixed up and commanders on the spot organised what men they found. The Battalion remained there until noon next day when withdrawn to Copse Trench and then to Henin. A and C companies were depleted.".

George Edward Hindley is also commemorated in the Hall of Remembrance in Liverpool Town Hall panel 51 right.

The following tributes were made in the Liverpool Echo :