Source: Michael Doyle Their Name Liveth For Evermore: The Great War Roll of Honour for Leicestershire and Rutland.
He was the son of John William Rawlings, a general labourer, born 1852 in Braunston, Rutland and his wife Harriette Rawlings (nee Goodwin, married in the 4th quarter of 1873 in the Oakham, Rutland district), born 1853 in Braunston. George was born in the 4th quarter of 1879 in Braunston, his siblings were, Eliza, a schoolgirl, born 1874 and Samuel, a schoolboy, born 1876, both his siblings were born in Braunston, in April 1881 the family home was at Main Street, Braunston. In the 3rd quarter of 1888 in the Oakham, Rutland district, George’s mother died, aged 36. In April 1891 George was a schoolboy and was residing in the family home in Braunston, together with his widowed father, an agricultural labourer, and his siblings Eliza, a house keeper, Samuel, an agricultural labourer, John Charles, a schoolboy, born on the 26th February1882 and Frederick, a schoolboy, born 1884, the latter two siblings were both born in Braunston. In March 1901 George was absent from the family home at 28, East Road, Braunston, residing there was his widowed father, an agricultural labourer and his sibling, John Charles, a farm horseman, George was employed as a railway porter and was residing as a boarder at 25, Framland Street, Leicester. In April 1911 George was employed as an iron stone quarry worker and was residing in the family home at Stathern, Leicestershire, together with his wife Annie Rawlings (nee Woodcock, married in the 3rd quarter of 1903 in the Leicester district), born 1882 in Leicester and their children, John Thomas, born 1904 and Phyllis May, born 1906, the latter two children were both born in Anstey, Leicestershire, Lilian Edith, born 1908 in Frisby, Leicestershire and Elsa, born 1911 in Wanlip, Leicestershire, George and Annie had two further children, George W., born 1912 in Stathern and Henry E., born 1914 in Leicester. George’s younger brother John Charles fell in action in May 1917.
The War Diary records: 6 Apr-16 - The 19th and 28th Brigade’s supported by 21st Brigade were ordered to carry out a night march with the intention of attacking at dawn. The march was commenced shortly after midnight, in massed formation, 28th Brigade on right, 19th Brigade on left. Formation of 28th Brigade. Front line 51st SIKHS (FRONTIER FORCE) and Provisional Battalion OXFORD AND BUCKINGHAMSHIRE LIGHT INFANTRY, second line 2nd LEICESTERSHIRE REGT, third line 53rd SIKHS and 56th RIFLES (FRONTIER FORCE). Owing to considerable delay during the march the attacking Brigade’s were 1000 yards short of enemy’s position when it was daylight. Suddenly the enemy opened a withering fire. The first lines of the Brigade pushed forward to within 800 yards of enemy’s position until compelled to halt through very heavy casualties (our own artillery on right bank of TIGRIS being responsible for a considerable number) when they entrenched. Some 400 yards behind these another line was established and consolidated by some 200 men of the LEICESTERSHIRE REGT and HIGHLAND Battalion’s (1st SEAFORTH HIGHLANDERS and BLACK WATCH of 19th Brigade), the remaining units of both Brigade’s extending in rear. Heavy fire was kept up by enemy throughout the day. At dusk the wounded and a few others of the Battalion and other units crawled back, and organised stretcher parties were sent out. The following casualties occurred, very early in the Battalion. Officers killed 2nd Lieutenant H. BILLINGS, wounded Major R. N. KNATCHBULL D.S.O., Major A. F. R. COLQUHOUN, Captain C. A. BAMFORD, Captain H. N. H. GRIMBLE, Lieutenant H. STOCKLEY, 2nd Lieutenant T. MONAGHAN, 2nd Lieutenant J. HARBOTTLE, 2nd Lieutenant H. S. ELLIS. 2nd Lieutenant B. BRAKES was wounded in the afternoon. Other ranks during the 6th April, killed 45, wounded 254, wounded but did not quit Battalion 3, missing 19. Major D. L. WEIR D.S.O. reassumed command of the Battalion on the afternoon of the 6th April.
On Friday May 19th 1916 The Melton Mowbray Times & Vale of Belvoir Gazette published the following article under the heading. “LOCAL AND DISTRICT NEWS.” – STATHERN. – LOCAL SOLDIER KILLED. It is with regret we announce the death of Private George Rawlings, of the 2nd Leicesters. He joined on December 14th 1914, and was soon in France as a Transport driver. Later on he went to the East, and official intimation was received by his wife last Friday to say he was killed in action on April 6th, in the Persian Gulf. Deceased leaves a wife and six children to mourn his loss, and much sympathy is felt for them in their affliction. He was 36 years of age.
The 5th April 1917 edition of the Leicester Mercury published the following under the heading, “IN MEMORIAM.” RAWLINGS – In loving memory of my dear brother, Pte. George Rawlings, transport driver, killed up the Persian Gulf on April 6th 1916. We often think of the days gone by. When we were all together; A shadow o’er our lives is cast. A dear one has gone forever. – From his loving Sister Polly and Niece, 163, Martin Street.