Source: Michael Doyle Their Name Liveth For Evermore: The Great War Roll of Honour for Leicestershire and Rutland.
He was the son of James Newbold Lovett, a painter and tallow chandler, born 1846 in Mountsorrel, Leicestershire and his wife Rose Lovett (nee Kilbourn, married in the 3rd quarter of 1872 in the Barrow upon Soar, Leicestershire district), born 1849 in Sileby, Leicestershire. George Edward, a schoolboy, was born in 4th quarter of 1884 in Quorn, Leicestershire, his siblings were, Charles William, a general carter, born 1874 in Leicester, Rose, an elastic trade worker, born 1876, James Henry, a general labourer, born 1878, Leah, a schoolgirl, born 1880, Walter, a schoolboy, born 1882, Ernest Alfred, a schoolboy, born 1883 and Oliver, born 1888, the latter six siblings were all born in Quorn, in April 1891 the family home was at Barrow Street, Quorn. In March 1901 George was employed as a farm boy and was residing in the family home at Barrow Road, Quorn, together with his father, a house painter, his mother and siblings, Walter, a bricklayer’s labourer, Ernest, a groom, Oliver, Sydney, born 1891 and Zillah, born 1893, the latter two siblings were both born in Quorn. In the 3rd quarter of 1903 in the Barrow upon Soar, Leicestershire district, George’s father died aged 56. In April 1911 George was employed as a cotton trade bleacher and was residing in the family home at Station Road, Quorn, together with his widowed mother and siblings, Ernest, a traction engine driver, Oliver a traction engine driver, Sidney, a builder’s carter and Zillah, a hosiery trade Griswold worker. George was awarded the British War and Victory medals.
The War Diary records: 24-30 Sep-16 - East of TRONES WOOD. About 7.00pm on the 24th the Battalion marched up to take a position prior to making an attack the next day. Before they reached the position the enemy heavily shelled our men, several casualties resulting. At 12.30pm on the 25th the first attack was launched, the 8th LEICESTERSHIRE REGIMENT being in a position on the right of FLERS. The objective was the first German line, a distance of about 1000 yards from the trench from which the Battalion launched the attack. The attack was made in waves, each platoon forming a wave, and 2 waves going over at a time. The attack was launched with splendid heroism, the first objective was gained in about ¾ of an hour, the men then stopped a short time to consolidate their gain, and to allow the artillery barrage to lift. They then pressed on to their second objective which was the village of GUEDECOURT. By the time they reached the village their ranks were sadly thinner, by the tremendous artillery barrage the enemy put up, and by machine guns which wrought terrible havoc. Never the less with dauntless gallantry they pressed on reaching the village and engaging the enemy in hand to hand fighting, which took place all the night. In the morning the 7th LEICESTERSHIRE REGIMENT relieved the 8th LEICESTERSHIRE REGIMENT in the village, and the enemy were finally driven out. The 8th LEICESTERSHIRE REGIMENT were brought back to the second line of trenches, where they were relieved by the 6th LEICESTERSHIRE REGIMENT on the 28th. They then went back to SWISS TRENCH where they remained until relieved on the night of October 1st.
On Friday December 1st 1916 The Melton Mowbray Times & Vale of Belvoir Gazette published the following article under the heading. - “LOCAL MEN IN THE CASUALTY LISTS.” – The following casualties amongst local men are officially reported. All are Private’s except where otherwise shown. The town shown against each soldier’s name is the home of his next-of-kin. Monday’s list included:- WOUNDED AND MISSING. LEICESTERSHIRE REGIMENT. Lovett, 27866, G. (Quorn).