Source: Michael Doyle Their Name Liveth For Evermore: The Great War Roll of Honour for Leicestershire and Rutland.
He was the son of Thomas Irons, a coal miner, born 1841 in Swannington, Leics., and his wife Maria Irons, born 1847 in Swannington, Leics. George Henry was born on the 8th April 1889 in Swannington, Leics., his siblings were, Annie, an elastic trade worker, born 1867, Frederick, a railway wagon builder, born 1871, Thomas, a railway wagon builder and fitter, born 1873, Elizabeth, born 1879, Joseph, a schoolboy, born 1881, Arthur, a schoolboy, born 1883 and John H., a schoolboy, born 1886, all his siblings were born in Swannington, Leics., in April 1891 the family home was at St. George’s Terrace, Main Street, Swannington, Leics. In March 1901 George was residing in the family home at The Valley, Swannington, Leics., together with his parents and siblings, Frederick, an engineering works packing case maker, Sarah J., born 1876 in Swannington, Leics., Joseph, an engineering works packing case maker, Arthur, an engineering works driller and John, an outdoor servant. In April 1911 George was employed as a wagon painter and was residing in the family home at Swannington, Leics., together with his father, now retired, his mother and siblings, Elizabeth, Arthur, a wagon iron turner and Harold a wagon sawyer. The family later resided at 2, Ash Cottages Swannington, Leics. George enlisted on the 22nd June 1917, and embarked to join the British Expeditionary Force on the 18th October 1917, joining his unit, the Nelson Battalion on the 13th November 1917 and serving with it until he was killed in action on the 3rd January 1918. Gearge was recorded as an Army Reservist on the 11th December 1915.

Source: Leicestershire War Memorials Project.
Coalville Times article - Friday February 1st, 1918

LOCAL CASUALTIES

Gunner G. H. Irons (Swannington) of the Royal Naval Volunteer Reserve is reported to have been killed in action.

Coalville Times article - Friday February 8th, 1918

LOCAL CASUALTIES

Mr and Mrs Thomas Irons, of 2, Ash Cottages, Swannington, have been officially notified that their youngest son, Pte. G. H. Irons, of the Royal Naval Division, was killed in action on the Western Front, on January 3rd. He was a single man, 28 years of age, formerly living with his parents and up to the time of enlisting on June 24th last, had been employed at Messrs. Stableford and Co.’s waggon works, at Coalville, since leaving school. The last letter from him was received by his parents on the last day of the old year, when he wrote in a very cheery strain. Pte. G. H. Irons will be remembered as one of the most enthusiastic members of the Beaumont Miniature Rifle Club, founded some years ago, by Lady Beaumont, of Swannington House, and which up to the outbreak of war was very successful. Pte. Irons improved wonderfully in his shooting practice at the Club’s range at Sinope, near Coalville, and became one of the best shots, winning the rose bowl for the club championship two years in succession, besides many silver medals and spoons in the monthly competition.

Research undertaken and submitted by Andy Murby 13/1/2018