Source: Michael Doyle Their Name Liveth For Evermore: The Great War Roll of Honour for Leicestershire and Rutland.
He was the son of Alfred Ernest Wheat, a cowman and shepherd, born 1855 in Somerby, Leicestershire and his wife Mary Jane Wheat (nee Kilbourne, married in the 4th quarter of 1876 in the Melton Mowbray, Leicestershire district), born 1858 in Knossington, Leicestershire, George Harry was born in the 3rd quarter of 1892 in Knossington, his siblings were, Frank William, a general farm labourer, born 1886 in Somerby, Emma, born 1890 and Mary, born 1897, the latter two siblings were both born in Knossington, in March 1901 the family home was at Somerby Road, Knossington. In 1911 George was absent from the family home in Knossington, residing there was his father, a cowman and shepherd, his mother and sister, Mary, George was employed as a domestic gardener and was residing as a boarder in Knossington. George also had the following older siblings, Isabella, born 1880, Harriet, born 1882, Ernest, born 1884 and John, born 1885, the latter four siblings were all born in Somerby.
George attested into the Territorial Force to serve for the Duration of the War in the United Kingdom on the 2nd September 1914 in Oakham. He gave his home address as Knossington, Oakham, his age as 22 years and 3 months and his trade or calling as labourer. He confirmed that he had served for four years with “B” Company of the Leicestershire Regiment Territorial Force. He gave his father Alfred, mother Mary and brother Frank all of Knossington, Oakham as his next of kin. His medical examination recorded that he was 5 foot 10½ inches in height, weighed 161 pounds and he had a chest measurement of between 34 and 36½ inches. His physical development was described as fair. He was pronounced fit for the Territorial Force on the 5th September 1914 in Oakham. His record of service began when he joined the Depot of the Leicestershire Regiment as a Private, service number 2340 on the 5/9/14. Posted to the 1/5th Battalion Leicestershire Regiment and embodied service commenced on the 5/9/14. Embarked to join the British Expeditionary Force in France on the 26/2/15. Disembarked at Le Havre on the 27/2/15. Killed in action, in the field on the 13/10/15. A summary of his service records: Home Service, 5/9/14 – 27/2/15, 176 days. British Expeditionary Force, France, 28/2/15 – 13/10/15, 230 days. Total service 1 year 39 days. George was awarded the 1914-15 Star, British War and Victory medals. The following information was provided by George’s mother Mary Jane Wheat on the 29th April 1919, and was witnessed and signed by George Goode Wilkinson, Clerk in Holy Orders, on ARMY FORM W. 5080 (Information on deceased soldier’s family) Father of soldier, Alfred E. Wheat of Knossington, Oakham. Mother of soldier, Mary J. Wheat of Knossington, Oakham. Full blood brothers of soldier, 31720 Pte. E. Wheat, age 36, R.A.V.C, Germany. 638049, Pte. John Wheat, age 34 of Markfield, Leicestershire. Frank Wheat, age 33 of Keepers Lodge, Owston, Leicestershire. Full blood sisters of soldier, Isabella Sumner age 39 of Lady Wood Lodge, Braunstone. Harriet Hubbard, age 29 of Cold Overton, Oakham. Mary Wheat, age 22 of The Park, Nottingham. A letter from George’s father addressed to the Officer in charge of Territorial Force Records in Lichfield dated 17th February 1916 reads: Sir, I am most disappointed and dissatisfied to receive as the personal effects of my son 2340 Pte. G. Wheat, 1/5th Leicester’s only a few letters and some photos that did not belong to him, whilst photos of his relatives that I knew he had with him were not sent and surely he had things for his use such as a knife and fork and spoon and razor and towels and comb and brush all of which I had to provide for him when he volunteered. Yours truly Alfred Wheat (X his mark). George’s surviving service documents are in poor condition, and much of the finer detail relating to the period of time that he spent in the Army, is either illegible or missing, hence the sparse overall description of his military and personal family history.
The War Diary records: 13 Oct-15 - At 6.00am Battalion in place in RESERVE trench. At 12.00 noon bombardment of enemy trench FOSSE 8 commenced. At 1.00pm smoke and gas turned on until 1.50pm. At 2.00pm assault. 5th Battalion LINCOLNSHIRE REGIMENT and 4th Battalion LEICESTERSHIRE REGIMENT advanced in lines of platoon at 50 paces distance against HOHENZOLLERN REDOUBT. 4th Battalion LINCOLNSHIRE REGIMENT attacked from 2nd line followed by the MONMOUTHSHIRE REGIMENT. REDOUBT captured but lines checked and stopped by machine gun fire from MAD POINT, MADAGASCAR, and SOUTH FACE, also heavy rifle fire FOSSE and DUMP TRENCH. First two lines as almost all Company officers became casualties. REDOUBT and half of NORTH FACE was held – LITTLE WILLIE and BIG WILLIE still in enemy hands. At 3.00pm “B” Company sent up to reinforce centre and left of REDOUBT followed by “A” and part of “D” Companies. Machine guns in position along original front line now held by “C” Company and parts of other regiments. Considerable progress made along LITTLE WILLIE by grenade party under Lieutenant C. H. F. WOLLASTON. Ground lost again owing to lack of grenades. At 5.30pm ground now held consisted of front face of REDOUBT and up to LITTLE WILLIE and point 60. Remainder of REDOUBT untenable by either side. 138th Brigade relieved gradually by 139th Brigade. 138th Brigade hold original front line trench. Many of “A” and “B” Companies still remained in the REDOUBT during the whole of next day.