Source: Michael Doyle Their Name Liveth For Evermore: The Great War Roll of Honour for Leicestershire and Rutland.
He was the son of Clara Lee, born 1872 in Castle Gresley, Derbys. George Ernest was born on the 8th May 1895 in the Union Workhouse, Horninglow, Burton upon Trent, Staffs. In April 1911 George was employed as a farm labourer and was residing in the family home at Meeting Street, Quorn, Leics., together with his step father, Alfred Jalland, a farm labourer, born 1851 in Old Dalby, Leics., his mother Clara Jalland (nee Lee, married q3 1901 in the Barrow upon Soar, Leics. district), and his half blood siblings, Alfred Edwin, born 1904 in Woodhouse, Leics., Frederick William, born 1906, Elsie Mary, born 1908 and Violet Annie, born 1909, the latter three half blood siblings were all born in Quorn, Leics. In the 2nd quarter of 1914 George married Minnie Taylor in the Barrow upon Soar, Leics., marriage registration district., they resided at 37, Duke Stret, Loughborough, Leics.
The War Diary entry for the 13th November 1916 records. MAILLY-MAILLET - TRENCHES. The Battalion successfully crossed the German front line and assaulted the second line wire which was practically intact. The Battalions from the left Division came across our front breaking up our formations. Reorganisation was rendered difficult by the heavy mist. Casualties among officers and other ranks were very heavy. Among others two Company Commanders are missing, one known to be wounded, two subalterns are missing and believed killed, several other subalterns were wounded; the four Company Sergeant Major’s were wounded, Company Sergeant Major COX remained at duty till the Battalion was relieved. The Chaplain joined Battalion Headquarters and acted as -?-. The old defensive lines in MONK and LEGEND were reoccupied.
On Monday January 15th 1917 The Leicester Mercury published the following article under the heading. “LOCAL MEN IN THE CASUALTY LISTS” The following local casualties are reported under various dates. All are Private’s except where otherwise shown. The town shown against each soldiers name is the home of his next-of-kin. MISSING. SOUTH STAFFORDSHIRE REGIMENT. Lee, 24416 G. (Loughborough).