SUMMERS, George H

George Summers was the son of Mrs Summers of New Street, Brierley Hill, and volunteered for the South Staffordshire Regiment. He served in the 7th (Service) Battalion which went to Gallipoli in August 1915. He was transferred to the Sherwood Foresters, possibly after return to active service after suffering wounds, and was sent to the 11th Battalion in the 23rd Division, In June they too part in the important battle of Messines, which was regarded as the most complete success to date. It resulted in the capture of the whole Wytschaete ridge south of Ypres and the Foresters were responsible for the most northern sector. The battle was preceded by the blowing of several mines, including the great Messines mine, at 2 a.m. on the 7th June. However, the day was hard fought and among the killed in action was Private George Summers. A letter to Mrs Summers by his platoon officer commented on his bravery ‘in one of the greatest victories that has been won in this war’. He is commemorated on the Menin Gate, Brierley Hill and Brierley Hill Church Memorials,