Source: Michael Doyle Their Name Liveth For Evermore: The Great War Roll of Honour for Leicestershire and Rutland.
He was the son of James Flint a railway labourer, born 1861 in Frisby on the Wreake, Leicestershire, and his wife Emma Flint (nee Mann, married in the 4th quarter of 1885 in the Melton Mowbray, Leicestershire district), born 1863 in Long Itchington, Warwickshire. George Edward was born on the 17th August 1888 in Kirby Bellars, Leicestershire, his siblings were, Harry Waite, born 1887 and David James, born 1890, both his siblings were born in Kirby Bellars, in April 1891 the family home was at Kirby Bellars. In March 1901 George was residing in the family home at 29, Egerton Road, Melton Mowbray, Leicestershire together with his father, a railway carpenter, his mother and siblings, Harry a railway book stall worker, Annie Elizabeth, born 1892, twins John and Jessie, born 1895 and Arthur Wilson, born 1897, the latter four siblings were all born in Kirby Bellars and Horace Herbert, born 1900 in Melton Mowbray. In April 1911 George was absent from the family home at 1, Stanley Street, Melton Mowbray, residing there was his father, a railway carpenter, his mother and siblings David, a railway bricklayer’s labourer, Annie a shoe braider, Arthur a post office messenger, Horace a schoolboy, Essie Olive a schoolgirl, born 1902 and Adelaide Eveline a schoolgirl, born 1905, the latter two siblings were both born in Melton Mowbray, George was serving with the Royal Navy as an Able Bodied Seaman aboard HMS Britannia. George was educated in the British School, Melton Mowbray and upon leaving took up employment as a booking clerk with the Midland Railway. George enlisted into the Royal Navy on the 12th September 1907. He saw service in the Dardanelles in 1915, and sustained a chill whilst assisting to rescue soldiers whose boats had been shelled by the Turks as they were attempting to land during June 1915. He was invalided home, and died in Melton Mowbray, Leicestershire on the 8th February 1916 from the effects of illness contracted on active service. George was unmarried.
George enlisted into the Royal Navy to serve a 5 + 7 year engagement on the 12th September 1907, he was allocated the service number SS/2110 in Portsmouth, Hants. His medical examination recorded that he was 5 foot 6¼ inches in height and had a chest measurement of 35 inches, his hair colour was black and he had brown eyes, his complexion was described as fair, it was noted that he had moles on the left side of his chest and on his right forearm, he gave his trade or calling as clerk. His record of service began when he joined HMS Victory as an Ordinary Seaman on the 12/9/07 – 29/10/07. HMS Prince George, 30/10/07 – 31/3/08. HMS Duke of Edinburgh, 1/4/08 – 11/8/09, when he was promoted to Able Bodied Seaman. HMS Duke of Edinburgh, 12/8/09 – 14/3/10. HMS Victory I, 15/3/10 – 31/5/10. HMS Jupiter, 1/6/10 – 25/6/10, when he was transferred to the Battleship Squadron as an Able Bodied Seaman and allocated the service number J/8281. His record of service began when on transfer he joined HMS Jupiter on the 26/6/10 – 28/10/10. HMS Britannia, 29/10/10 – 14/10/12. HMS Excellent, 15/10/12 – 30/6/13. HMS Dreadnought, 1/7/13 – 21/9/13. HMS Victory I, 22/9/13 – 28/5/14. HMS Psyche, 29/5/14 – 8/1/15. HMS Swiftsure, 9/1/15 – 9/4/15. HMS Victory I, 10/4/15 – 9/6/15, when he was invalided from the service suffering from pulmonary tuberculosis.
On Friday January 28th 1916 The Melton Mowbray Times & Vale of Belvoir Gazette published the following article under the heading. “MELTON AND THE WAR.” – MELTON SOLDIERS WOUNDED. The other victim is Pte. Albert Flint, of the 6th Leicester’s, son on Mr. and Mrs. J. Flint, 1, Stanley-street, who has written to his parents as follows:- “I am sorry to have to tell you I have been wounded, and am at present in hospital at a place named Humbercamps. I was wounded by a rifle grenade, and it caught me in the thigh and left ear. It happened about eight o’clock on Sunday night, January 16th. The place where I was hit is known as ‘Casualty Corner,’ and I am about the 8th to be hit there this week. Jack Skerritt is in the same hospital with me, with a wound in his head.” In a letter to his sister (Mrs. Lovering), received last Wednesday, Pte. Flint states that the wound is not so serious as he first thought. He adds that it gave him a bit of a shock when hit, as it was like a red hot needle going through him. Pte. Flint was employed on the Midland Railway, and was one of the first railway men of the town to join the colours after the war broke out. He enlisted the second week of August 1914. His brother Seaman Gunner Edward Flint, of HMS Swiftsure, who has been in the Navy eight years, was invalided home from the Dardanelles last June, and has for some months past been lying dangerously ill at Mowsley Sanatorium, near Market Harborough. He was brought to his home at Melton Mowbray on Wednesday night in a motor car. Gunner Flint saw considerable service before being taken ill. He was one of the men who assisted in the capture of Samoa, being on HMS Psyche at that time, and afterwards transferred to the Swiftsure. He took part in the battle of the Suez Canal, and subsequently assisted the Australians in their memorable landing at the Dardanelles, the guns of his ship bombarding the Turks until they became red hot. It was there that he caught a severe chill which resulted in his serious illness. Their brother in law, Trooper Albert Lovering, of the Royal Bucks Hussars, has also been invalided home from the Dardanelles, having been in hospital at Manchester for the past two months. He was formerly in the employ of Mr. R. F. Sawbridge.
On Friday February 9th 1917 The Melton Mowbray Times & Vale of Belvoir Gazette published the following article under the heading. “BIRTHS, MARRIAGES AND DEATHS.” – IN MEMORIAM. – FLINT – In loving memory of our dear boy, Seaman Gunner George Edward Flint, of HMS Swiftsure, who passed away Feb. 8th 1916, aged 27 years. A light has from our household gone. A voice we loved is still. A place is vacant on our hearth. Which never can be filled. No morning dawns, nor night returns. But what we think of thee. From Mother and Dad. FLINT.- In loving memory of our dear brother (Ted) Seaman Gunner George Edward Flint, of HMS Swiftsure, who passed away Feb. 8th 1916, aged 27 years. Just a year ago he left us. How we miss his loving face. But he left us to remember. None on earth can fill his place. From Sisters and Brothers at home and abroad.
On Friday February 8th 1918 The Melton Mowbray Times & Vale of Belvoir Gazette published the following article under the heading. “BIRTHS, MARRIAGES AND DEATHS.” – IN MEMORIAM. – FLINT.- In loving memory of Seaman Gunner George Edward Flint, who passed away Feb. 8th 1916, aged 27 years. He fought for his King and Country, A noble death he died, Fighting for us and for freedom, At the cost of his own dear life. From Mother and Dad, Sisters and Brothers at home and abroad.
On Friday February 11th 1916 The Melton Mowbray Times & Vale of Belvoir Gazette published the following article under the heading. “MELTON AND THE WAR.” – MELTON SAILOR’S DEATH. We very much regret to have to record the death of Seaman Gunner George Edward Flint, second son of Mr. and Mrs. J. Flint, which occurred on Tuesday morning at the residence of his parents in Stanley-street, Melton Mowbray., at the age of 27 years, and which has cut short a promising career in the British Navy. On leaving school deceased went into the office of Messrs. Sharman and Ladbury for about 12 months, then entered the service of the Midland Railway Co. He was first stationed at Ashwell as booking clerk, then removed to a similar position at Luffenham. He joined the Navy on the 12th September, 1907, being stationed at Portsmouth, where he served on the Prince George, Jupiter, Britannia, Duke of Edinburgh, and The Dreadnought. From there he went to gain experience in gunnery at the Whale Island Gunnery School, and successfully passed his two courses. Next he with others was drafted out to New Zealand to relieve the Psyche, and was still stationed there when the war broke out. The Commander of the Psyche and certain New Zealand ships had orders to proceed to Samoa, with transports to capture the German colony, and deceased and his comrades played an important part in that historic event. It was in the early dawn of Sunday morning, August 30th, that they got their first glimpse of German Samoa, and later in the morning the Psyche was seen moving slowly towards the Apia Harbour. The mine sweepers were soon at work, the bluejackets promptly buoying the area swept with lines of floating flags. Before 2.00am the Psyche, in shore flying the white ensign and a flag of truce, had landed a boat, and the assistant paymaster carried a peremptory note from the Admiral to the Governor, demanding the surrender of the place. Gunner Flint was one of those entrusted with this important duty, and they were merely under the protection of a hastily improvised flag of truce consisting of two rather dingy pieces of white fabric stuck on the end of a broom handle. Some of the Germans regarded the appearance of such a dilapidated looking flag as an insult to them, but an Englishman explained that British Warships did not carry flags of truce as part of their ordinary equipment. In the absence of the Governor, his deputy intimated that though he could not approve of the surrender, no resistance would be offered to the landing of our armed force. The German flag that had flown on the island for 14 years was hauled down, and the Union Jack run up in its place. Thus did a Meltonian figure prominently in the first capture of a German colony, and in a series of excellent illustrations in the “Auckland Weekly News,” Gunner Flint is to be seen marching with his officers under the white flag, and also saluting the Union Jack as it is being hoisted. After this interesting episode the Psyche acted as guard to the New Zealand troops to Columba, and also took part in the rounding up of the Emden, in conjunction with the Japanese Navy. The Psyche and the Philamore were then turned over to the Australian Navy, who manned them and set the English sailors free. The latter were taken on a transport to the Suez Canal, and deceased there had further exciting experiences, as he arrived just as the Turks were endeavouring to cross the canal. He was transferred to the P and O boat, Swiftsure, which fired upon the Turks with great effect, and at the close of these operations Gunner Flint helped to bury 300 of the enemy. He then left on the Swiftsure for the Dardanelles, and assisted in the landing of the Australian troops. It was here that he contracted a severe chill which has resulted in his early death. Many of the boats conveying the Australian soldiers were upset by the Turkish shells, and Gunner Flint and his comrades gallantly jumped into the water to rescue them. In spite of falling sick he continued to perform his duties and witnessed the sinking of the Irresistible, Ocean, Triumph, and the French ship Bouvet, his own ship being only narrowly missed by a torpedo which was fired at it from a submarine. Eventually he became so bad that he had to be invalided home, and after spending a week in hospital at Malta and another week in the Haslar Hospital, Portsmouth, he was removed to the Mowsley Sanatorium. There he remained for six months, but gradually wasted away, and, at his express wish, he was brought home in a motor ambulance a fortnight ago to die. During the whole of the 8½ years which he served in the Navy, his character was irreproachable. Much sympathy will be extended to the parents and other members of the bereaved family. The funeral takes place tomorrow afternoon, and deceased will be buried with full military honours. The photograph block of the deceased had not arrived when we went to press, and will appear next week.
And in the same edition under the heading, “BIRTHS, MARRIAGES AND DEATHS.” – DEATHS. – FLINT.- At Melton Mowbray, on the 9th inst., George Edward Flint, aged 27 years.
On Friday February 18th 1916 The Melton Mowbray Times & Vale of Belvoir Gazette published the following article under the heading. “MELTON AND THE WAR.” - MELTON SAILOR’S FUNERAL. (A photograph accompanied the article). The inhabitants of Melton Mowbray turned out in thousands last Saturday afternoon to pay homage to a local sailor who had given up his life in the service of his country. In our previous issue we recorded the death of Seaman Gunner George Edward Flint, R.N., (second son of Mr. and Mrs. J. Flint, Stanley-street), and his funeral was made the occasion of a great public demonstration. Owing to the absence of Bluejackets in this neighbourhood, Mr. A. E. Mackley, one of the local civilian recruiting sergeants made the necessary arrangements for full military honours to be accorded. By the kindness of Colonel R. S. Goward, the services of the band of the 3/5th Leicestershire Regiment were secured and the bearers, a firing party, and a bugler were supplied from the Wigston Barracks – the Headquarters of the Leicestershire Regiment. The Melton St. John Voluntary Aid Detachment under the command of Captain S. C. Hobson, also attended, as did likewise a contingent of 16 men from the Melton Farriery School under Sergt. T. Bugg, of the Duke of Wellington’s. A few men were drawn from each Corps to represent the R.F.A., R.G.A., A.S.C., R.E., and Infantry. Lieut. Paget attended as representing the Leicestershire Yeomanry, and Sergt. Biddle, from the local recruiting office, was in charge of the bearers, the firing party being under Sergt. Grant. The coffin was placed on an open bier, and was covered with the Union Jack, on top of which deceased’s naval cap was deposited. Seaman Frank Flint, wearing his naval uniform, occupied the seat by the side of the driver, and carried a large floral anchor. The family mourners were Mr. and Mrs. James Flint, father and mother; Mr. Harry Flint and Mrs. A. Lovering (brother and sister), Mr. Jim Flint and Miss E-?- Flint (brother and sister), Mr. Bert Flint and Miss Eva Flint (brother and sister), Mr. and Mrs. Hibbett, Thrussington (uncle and aunt), Mrs. H. Flint and Mrs. J. Flint (sister’s in law), and Seaman Frank Flint and Mrs. Burton. The body was taken to the Congregational Church, where the first portion of the service was read, the Rev. E. Williams officiating. There was a crowded congregation amongst whom were noticed Mr. Josiah Gill, J.P., and Dr. Hugh Atkinson. The service was choral, the hymn “Nearer my God to Thee,” being feelingly sung, and Mr. Riley Brown, who officiated at the organ played suitable voluntaries. As the cortege wended its way from the Church to the Thorpe-road cemetery the band played the Dead March in “Saul.” The streets were lined with spectators, and an enormous crowd assembled at the cemetery. After the coffin had been lowered into the grave the firing party fired three volley’s, and the bugler sounded the Last Post. Some beautiful wreaths and other floral tributes were sent as follows:- Heart with broken string, in loving memory of a devoted son, from his heart broken mother and dad. “I was British.” A floral representation of the badge which deceased wore on his arm, with fondest love to our dear brother, from Nance and Bert, (Mr. and Mrs. Lovering). “He fought for his King and Country.” In loving remembrance of a dear brother, from Harry and Flo. In loving memory of dear Ted from Jim and Sarah. “Bravely he did his duty, anxious to do his best. He has died through serving his country. And now he is at rest.” In loving memory of our dear sailor brother, from Arthur (at the front) and Bert. With deepest sympathy from aunts at Frisby. “Our life is but a fading dawn. Its glorious moon how quickly past: Lead us O’ Christ, when all is o’er, Safe home at last.” In loving memory of dear Ted, from aunt and uncle and all at Thrussington. “He fought for the cause of freedom.” With love and heartfelt regret, from Mrs. Burton and Mable. Another with deepest sympathy and respect to George Edward Flint, A.B., H.M.S. Swiftsure, from the neighbours. “Bright here, but brighter there, safely anchored.” In memoriam Seaman Gunner George Edward Flint, from the Townwardens and inhabitants of Melton Mowbray, to the memory of a fellow townsman who laid down his life for his King and Country. Deepest sympathy, from Captain and Mrs. Hobson. To dear Ted, from Rose. “He served his country faithfully.” Deepest sympathy from Mrs. Roper and family, to dear Ted. With deepest sympathy from Mr. and Mrs. Dexter and family. With deepest sympathy, from Mrs. Stone and family, George-street, Melton Mowbray. From Mr. and Mrs. Fisher, with deepest sympathy. With respect from a wounded comrade, Pte. G. Jackson.
And in the same issue under the heading. “BIRTHS, MARRIAGES AND DEATHS.” – THANKS. Mr. and Mrs. J. Flint and family, 1, Stanley-st., Melton Mowbray, desire to tender their sincere thanks for the numerous acts of kindness and expressions of sympathy they have received in their recent bereavement.