Source: Michael Doyle Their Name Liveth For Evermore: The Great War Roll of Honour for Leicestershire and Rutland.
He was the son of John Thomas S. Daycott a butcher and grazier, born 1845 in Rothley, Leics., and his wife Anne Draycott (nee Hickling), born 1849 in Rothley, Leics. George Cyril was born in 1893 in Rothley, Leics., his siblings were, John Thomas, a butcher’s assistant, born 1878, Mabel, a dressmaker, born 1882, Emily F., born 1884, Florence M., born 1886, Frank R., born 1889 and Helena E., born 1892, all his siblings were born in Rothley, Leics., in March 1901 the family home was at Anthony Street, Rothley, Leics. In April 1911 George was employed as an apprentice butcher and was residing in the family home at Anthony Street, Rothley, Leics., together with his widowed mother and siblings, Mabel, Emily, a dressmaker, Florence, a dressmaker, Frank, an engineer’s fitter and Helena, an assistant teacher. On Wednesday February 28th and Thursday 1st March 1917 The Leicester Mercury published the following article under the heading. “BIRTHS, MARRIAGES AND DEATHS” – DEATHS. DRAYCOTT.- Killed in action February 21st, George Cyril (Sid), of the Yeomanry, youngest son of the late J. T. and Mrs Draycott, Rothley. The War Diary entry for today records. At 3.00am enemy opened a very heavy bombardment with trench mortars and shells on front line trenches occupied by A or Captain WRIGHT’S Coy opposite the Z and barraged the approaches thereto and main road of FONQUEVILLERS with shrapnel and shells of all calibres for 1½ hours either for the purpose of attempting a raid or getting rid of surplus ammunition with a view to withdrawing from GOMMECOURT. Three platoons occupying the front line under Lt’s POCHIN, MANTLE and WORDSWORTH withdrew -?- their line and blocked communication trenches leaving Lewis Guns in position. Our artillery replied to the assist call within four minutes. If a raid was attempted none of the enemy succeeded in reaching our line. All ranks behaved well under very trying circumstances and two runners of A Coy Pte H. BRADSHAW and Pte P. COLEY were later awarded the Military Medal. The Brig Gen Commanding complimented the Battn on its work. Leter in the morning A Coy was relieved by B who were in support.