In the Trenches : 3

Troops of the West Yorkshire Regiment re

Gomersal & The Great War

. . . . in the trenches

The following are a series of letters written by George's mother to the War Office :

GEORGE FAIRBURN SENIOR

Died 17th November 1917

2nd Lieutenant

- 1st/7th West Yorkshire Regiment

Lived : Moor Lane Gomersal

Old dirty paper texture (main preview).j

3rd Dec 1917

Sir

2nd Lieut. George Fairburn Senior

4th Batt. 1/7th West Yorks. Regt

Moor Lane. Gomersal. Nr. Leeds

I have been requested by the dependants of the above named officer to ask if you have any further information concerning his death, such as the nature of the wounds he received, the Hospital in which he died, and particulars as to his effects.

I am Sir,

Your obedient Servant

RG Rutter

Treasurer & Executive Officer

Borough of Batley – Local Committee

24th November 1917

Sir,

Excuse me taking the liberty of writing to you, but can you please let me know the address or any information concerning my Son, Sec. Lt. George F. Senior of the 1/7th West Yorkshire Regiment 4th Batt. BEF France. As I received a Telegram from you on Thursday Nov 22 stating that my son had been wounded on the 17th Nov and I have not heard anything since concerning him and I am so anxious.

I shall be very grateful indeed if you can let me know anything at all as the suspense is dreadful. Hoping I hear from you soon

Mrs Senior

The Battle of Passchendale was still raging when George met his death after being in his new Battalion only a few weeks.

They were in the Broodseinde sector, in support of the Anzac Ridge, when he was wounded, succumbing to his wounds a few days later.

Jan 12th 1918

Dear Sir,

Excuse me taking the liberty of writing to you but would you kindly send me the Official Form regarding my son’s death, his name and rank were as follows

2nd Lieut. George Fairburn Senior, 4th Batt. 1/7th West Yorks. Regt

and he died on Nov 17th 1917 from wounds received on that date. If I should have to apply elsewhere perhaps you will let me know where to as I cannot get his insurance they say until I receive this form.

I have not been able to receive anything belonging to him and it is 8 weeks today Sat 12th since he died and so I thought I would write and ask you as my son was the only one I had left at home with me to depend on.

I remain

Mrs George Senior

30th March 1918

Dear Sir

Excuse me taking the liberty of writing to you but could you give me any information as regards and personal effects of my dear son who was killed in action on Novembeer 17th 1917 and whose name and rank were as follows:

2nd Lieut. George Fairburn Senior, 4th Batt. 1/7th West Yorks. Regt

I have wrote to ???? and also to the York Depot and they advised me to write to you as they had not seen them. I got part of his uniform but the things I should cherish most have not come. There is a Pocket Wallet, eye-glasses, compass, revolver, wristlet watch, Field Glasses and money but I don’t know the exact amount so hoping you will let me know if you have received them at your office.

I remain

Mrs George Senior

It is unknown whether Mrs Senior ever received any of her son's belongings but the following appeared in the National Index of Wills and Administration.

Moor Lane Gomersal

George is buried in the Buttes New British Cemetery, Belgium and also commemorated at St Mary's Church , Gomersal and the Heckmondwike School Roll of Honour.

George Fairburn Senior was a schoolteacher in South Yorkshire when he enlisted as a Private in 1916 with 4th Reserve Northumberland Fusiliers.

Due to the fact that he had 'attained a standard of education suitable for a commissioned rank', George was transferred to the West Yorkshire regiment as a 2nd Lieutenant in August 1917.