Source: Michael Doyle Their Name Liveth For Evermore: The Great War Roll of Honour for Leicestershire and Rutland.
He was the son of Robert Rouse, a baker and farmer, born 1849 in Market Overton, Rutland, and his wife Frances Sarah Rouse (nee Hinley, married in the 2nd quarter of 1880 in the Oakham, Rutland district), born 1850 in Teigh, Rutland. George Alfred was born on the 21st July 1888 in Market Overton, and baptised 30th September 1888 in the Market Overton Parish Church, his siblings were, Christina Alice, a schoolgirl, born 9th April 1883 and baptised 11th June 1882 in the Market Overton Parish Church, Dora Mary, a schoolgirl, born 8th March 1884 and baptised 11th May 1884 in the Market Overton Parish Church and Harriett Elizabeth, born 20th January 1890 and baptised 22nd March 1891 in the Market Overton Parish Church, all his siblings were born in Market Overton, in April 1891 the family home was at Thistleton Road, Market Overton. On the 11th October 1900 George’s father died aged 51, he was interred on the 13th October 1900 in Market Overton. In March 1901 George was residing in the family home at The Three Horses, Market Overton, together with his widowed mother, a baker and his siblings, Christina, a baker’s assistant and Harriet, also residing with the family was his widowed paternal Grandmother, Mary Ann Rouse, born 1815 in South Witham, Lincolnshire. In April 1911 George was employed as an assistant baker and was residing in the family home at Market Overton, together with his widowed mother, a baker and his siblings, Christina, a domestic parlour maid and Dora, a domestic house maid.
George enlisted on the 21st August 1917 and embarked to join the British Expeditionary Force in France on the 31st December 1917, joining his unit, the Howe Battalion on the 15th January 1918. He was attached to the 2nd Royal Marine Battalion on the 11th February 1918 and served with that unit until he was killed in action on the 5th April 1918.
The War Diary records: 5 Apr-18 – ENGELBELMER. Battalion salvage and working parties. 4 casualties.
On Friday May 17th 1918 The Melton Mowbray Times & Vale of Belvoir Gazette published the following article under the heading. “MARKET OVERTON.” – KILLED IN ACTION. – Another local name has to be added to the list of those who have fallen in the war, Mrs. Rouse, having received official notification that her son, A.S. G. A. Rouse was killed in action on April 5th. Deceased who was 29 years of age, had devoted the whole of his life to his widowed mother, home, and business, and was much respected. He joined the R.N.D. on August 21st 1917, and proceeded to the front on Dec. 31st. Prior to leaving home, he had been a member of the V.T.C., and proved himself thoroughly efficient. He was a member of the Church choir for eight years, and also a bell-ringer for some considerable time. His early death has deprived the village of one who could ill be spared. The deepest sympathy has been shown to his sorrowing mother and sisters.