George Critchley trains the Aussies in London

George Critchley, on the right of the picture above, was the sixth child of Mary Ellen and James Critchley. He started work as a clerk at Pilkingtons glass works in St Helens before he enlisted in the army. My grandparents told me they saw quite a bit of George after he joined the Prince of Wales own County of London Civil Service Rifles. George attained the rank of sergeant and trained Australian troops at Hazeley Down camp, Winchester. On a postcard his brother (my grandfather) wrote to him, he asks if he got back safely and when George will visit them again.

   As far as I know, George spent nearly four years training Australian Troops after he enlisted. Mollie writes: "George was based in London with the Civil Service Rifles. He had a girlfriend there. Although he served with a London regiment, he seems to have have a connection with Australians as a rifle instructor despite some kind of eyesight defect. George was killed in action very near the end of the war on the 9th August 1918. He has no known grave."

     Below is a picture of George with his trainee Australians and below that two fellow officers from his regiment. He is by the right hand bottom corner of the banner below and in the picture below that, George is on the left of the other two sergeants.