Sergeant GEORGE EZRA PORTER

The Porters, who lived at the Bury, was large family. Arthur, a bricklayer’s labourer, and his wife, Lynnie (née Burrows) had twelve children. In 1916 Arthur and five of his sons were all servicemen.
The eldest son, George, who was born in 1893, joined The Rifle Brigade in 1910 and served in India. His battalion began the journey back to UK on 4th August 1914 and arrived on 22nd October 1914. Two weeks later, they left for France, arriving at Le Havre at 10.30 am on 7th November 1914. By the time of his death at the age of 24 in the first battle of the Somme on 24th October 1916, George had reached the rank of Sergeant. He was awarded the 1914 Star, the British War Medal 1914-20 and the Victory Medal 1914-20, affectionately known as Pip, Squeak and Wilfred.

George’s brothers who were old enough also joined the Armed Forces and his younger brother Charles also died in action in 1918.
Aubrey Robert (known as Bob), one younger brother, joined the Royal Navy and served through WW1 and WW2, sadly dying from a motorcycle accident shortly following retirement back to North Warnborough after serving 37 years. Another brother, a farrier, also survived WW1 as did their father Arthur.

George’s nephew Bob, is well known as the landlord of the Bell and another nephew Charles (son of Bob Porter, George’ naval brother) still lives in Hartley Wintney after growing up and living most of his life in North Warnborough.