George enlisted into the army on 3 January 1877 in Stockton-on-Tees, joining the 3rd Brigade of the 106th Regiment of Foot (Bombay Light Infantry). He enlisted for an initial service of six years, followed by six years on the reserve list. At the time he was aged 18 years and worked as a nut and bolt maker. He was given service number 713 and described as 5 feet 5 inches tall, with a fresh complexion, hazel eyes, and brown hair.
The Brigade served at home until March 1879, mainly in the Manchester area, during which time his medical records show that he was treated for several cases of gonorrhoea and syphilis. The regiment was then moved to East India, where it landed in April 1879. Home for the first two years was Meean Meer – widely described as one of the worst postings in India – before moving on to Meerut, which on the other hand was considered the best.
George served with the 3rd Brigade until the end of June 1881, when because of the Childers Reforms the army was restructured into a network of multi-battalion regiments. Each regiment was to have two regular or line battalions and two militia battalions and was linked by headquarters location and territorial name to its local Regimental District. Thus, the 106th Foot was amalgamated with the 68th (Durham) Regiment of Foot to form the Durham Light Infantry, with the 106th becoming the 2nd Battalion.
George served with them until his period of six years’ service was completed in January 1883. His medical records show that during his four years in India, he suffered from several ague (fevers), together with some boils and another case of syphilis. He probably arrived back from India on 14 April and returned to civilian life, although he officially remained part of the Army Reserve. He was fully discharged in May 1885, before his full term of service was completed ‘in consequence of being found medically unfit for further service’. The medical report stated:
About a year ago, received a blow on the head. Since when he has become rather dim and his sight [illegible] right eye. Eyesight not up to standard for the level of military service.
The disability was deemed permanent, but not to such an extent that he would not be able to earn a living in the future. His character was described as ‘very good’.
Units
- 106th Regiment of Foot (Bombay Light Infantry)
- 2nd Battalion, Durham Light Infantry
See also
