George Edward Townend

War Service

George Edward Townend appears in the casualty lists of KOYLI where it says that 1st Battalion KOYLI 21449 Private George Edward Townend, born at Crofton, Yorkshire, enlisted at Wakefield and was killed in action in France/Flanders on 26th June 1915.
The Wakefield Express in July 1915 has a heading “A Crofton soldier killed”. Below it says “News has been received at Crofton of the death of Private G E Townend of the 1st Battalion KOYLI. The bereaved parents received the sad intimation from one of their son’s comrades (who enclosed his testament). He stated that he was killed by a piece of shrapnel and that he was buried with full Church of England rites. The deceased enlisted on February 2nd last and sailed from Southampton about five weeks ago. His brother W Townend left England for France a fortnight ago.” Also, in this edition of the paper, under “Roll of Honour”, it says “Townend – on 26th June 1915 Private G E Townend, 1st Batt KOYLI, aged 23 years, son of Mr & Mrs Thomas Townend, was killed in action.
“He gave his life for King and Country and loved ones at home.”
From Father, Mother and family.”
He also appears in the Wakefield Express 28th June 1919 where it says, “In loving memory of Private G E Townend of 1st Batt, KOYLI aged 23 years, son of Martha and Tom Townend of Crofton killed in action 26th June 1915.
“The rolling stream of life rolls on
And still the vacant chair
Remind us of the smiling face of him
Who once sat there”.
From his loving Mother, brothers and sister.”
He is buried in the Kemmel Chateau Military Cemetery.

Kemmel Chateau Military Cemetery