SHAKESPEARE, George

George Shakespeare was the foster brother of Miss P. Geary of 177 Dudley Road, Hans Hill. He became a professional soldier and served in the Worcesters before 1914. At the outbreak of war the 2nd Battalion was in the British Expeditionary force and took part in the Retreat from Mons and the Battle of the Marne. They fought in the first battle of Ypres and their gallant charge at Gheluvelt prevented the loss of Ypres and prevented the quick victory expected by the Germans. They moved to Artois in early 1915 and spent most of the year in trenches near Bethune. There was much sporadic trench action but the main battles were elsewhere. George Shakespeare was promoted to Sergeant by 1916 but was badly wounded and sent to the Casualty Clearing Station at Bethune. He died of wounds on the 30th April 1916 and is buried in Bethune Town Cemetery (III H 81)) and commemorated on the Brierley Hill Memorial and on the Wesleyan Roll of Honour.