GRIMSHAW Fred Private 63466

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Surname: GRIMSHAW;

Forename(s): Fred;

Initials: F;

Number: 63466;

Rank: Private;

Born in: Bolton;

Previous Regiment: Loyal N Lanc Regt;

MGC Branch: Infantry;

MGC Unit: 275 Coy;

Discharge Date: 01-May-1919;

Other Data: batman to Lt Cyril Dudley Stursberg (who later changed his name to BARTLETT)

photo: GS archive
PRIVATE FHSD GFJM-SHAW .^466 ?75 COMPANY M.G.C.
I*5r Grandad was born on 25th August 1885 at 18 Lancaster Street, little Bolton,
Lancs. His father, James, was a stoker, his motherfs name was Dora. He had two
older brothers, Henry and William, later there were three more brothers,
Thomas, Ernest and Arthur, and a sister, Dora.
At the age of thirteen in November 18f8 he was apprenticed to a skip(basket)
maker, George William Abbath of Shiffnal Street, Bolton. He completed this
apprenticeship on 25th August 1906 - his 21st birthday - and remained a basket
maker for the rest of his life.
Prior to WW1 he was part of a three man group called "The Norman Brothers" who
performed around the clubs in the North of England with a song and dance act.
(I have a photo showing him in top hat and tails with a silver topped ebony
cane - the cane I remember as both my Grandad and my uncle used it as a
walking stick)
Fred was married on 3rd August 1916 to Martha Brookfield who cane from Southport
He had enlisted, with his brothers, earlier in 1916 and when he learnt that he
was to be sent abroad he and Martha got married.
Tie fought at Hell Fire Corner, Ypre3, Vi my Kidge and Rasschendale and was batman
to Lieutenant Stursberg, 275 Company.
When Lieutenant Stursberg was posted to Mesopotamia Fred went with him - I have
a photocopy of a telegram sent to the Lieutenant in Baghdad on 11th October 1918
detailing an increase in Fred*s pay. I have been told that Fred was involved in
shooting competitions and also with entertaining the troops whilst he was in
Mesopotamia. He was demobed in May 1919 - I have a copy of his demob papers.
Fred and Martha had one daughter, Doreen,(my mother) and three sons, Norman,
Ieslie and Arnold. Fred died on 27th /arch 1961.;

Is photo available? Yes, see VMGCRA Patreon

END OF RECORD.

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