Source: Michael Doyle Their Name Liveth For Evermore: The Great War Roll of Honour for Leicestershire and Rutland.
He was the son of Thomas Chamberlain a framework knitter, born 1862 in Ruddington, Notts., and his wife Anne, born 1859 in Keyworth, Notts. George Miller Chamberlain was born in 1889 in Ruddington, Notts., his siblings were, Harriet, born 1885 and James, born 1888, both his siblings were born in Ruddington, Notts., in April 1891 the family home was at Distillery Street, Ruddington, Notts. In March 1901 George was residing in the family home at Melbourne Road Sand Pit, Ibstock, Leics., together with his father, now a colliery labourer, his mother and siblings, James, John T., born 1894 and Martha A., born 1897, the latter two siblings were both born in Ibstock, Leics. In April 1911 George was employed as a colliery worker and was residing in the family home at 10, Melbourne Road, Ibstock, Leics., together with his parents and brother James. In the October, November, December quarter of 1913, George married Phyllis Jemima Wale in the Market Bosworth, Leicestershire marriage registration district. In the January, February, March quarter of 1919, George’s widow Phyllis married James W. Barrs in the Market Bosworth, Leicestershire marriage registration district, they resided at 20, Central Avenue, Ibstock, Leics. The citation in the London Gazette dated 6th September 1915 reads:- “For conspicuous gallantry on the 6th August 1915, at Givenchy. Sapper Chamberlain was working in a mine, in company with Sapper McMann, when they broke into a German gallery, which was either a broken down one or had been tamped for exploding. They remained there, sending back to report. Later they were relieved by two other men and were posted further down the gallery. At 3.00am, the time of the relief, his companion went up the gallery to make sure that the two other men were safe. As he was proceeding the Germans exploded their mine, and he was blown down the gallery being seriously wounded. He called Sapper Chamberlain to assist him to rescue their comrades, and regardless of the danger from poisonous gas they succeeded in getting them out safely.” He died from the effects of being gassed. On Wednesday February 14th 1917 The Leicester Mercury published the following article under the heading. “LOCAL CASUALTIES” – The following local casualties are reported:- DIED. ROYAL ENGINEERS. Chamberlain, 102633 Lance-Corpl. G. M. (Ibstock).

Source: Leicestershire War Memorials Project.
Coalville Times article - Friday September 3rd, 1915

Sapper George Miller Chamberlain of the 176th Tunnelling Company, Royal Engineers, has been awarded a Distinguished Conduct Medal for acts of gallantry and devotion to service whilst on the field. His home is in Melbourne Road, Ibstock, and prior to enlistment he was employed by the Nailstone Colliery Company. He was one who responded to an invitation given some three months ago to members of the Ashby rescue teams to join and assist in mining operations against the enemy trenches. It is understood that whilst engaged in driving a mine they heard Germans countermining and succeeded in frustrating their attempts to charge the explosives laid.

Coalville Times article - Friday January 19th, 1917

IBSTOCK D.C.M.’S DEATH

Mrs Chamberlain, of Melbourne Road, Ibstock, has received a letter reporting the death of her husband, Private George Chamberlain, D.C.M. on active service in France. It is intimated that he was overcome by gas. Private Chamberlain, who was a strongly-built young man, had worked in the coal mine from boyhood, and he joined one of the volunteer tunnelling companies, which went out from the collieries at the request of the War Office. With his devotion to duty he won his medal soon after reaching the scene of operations. A few weeks ago his mother died, and he was granted leave to attend the funeral. He was then full of vigour and confidence and looked a fine specimen of England’s fighting colliers. Upon his death two young children are left fatherless.

Coalville Times article - Friday February 9th, 1917

MEMORIAL SERVICE

A memorial service was held in the Ibstock Parish Church on Sunday afternoon last in memory of Sapper Chamberlain, D.C.M., who was gassed while on active service some weeks ago. The Rector, the Rev. S. Flood, M.A., conducted the service. The Church Lads Brigade attended under Captain Wilson, Lieut. Humble and Sergt. Matts. Much sympathy was felt for Mrs Chamberlain, the widow, and her two children. Mr W. Dunstan played the Dead March, and the brigade buglers sounded the “Last Post” at the conclusion of the service.

Research undertaken and submitted by Andy Murby 10/10/2017