Private George Edward Gentle, copy from Parramatta Soldiers, Cumberland Argus, 1920
Private George Edward Gentle was severely wounded by a shell at Armentieres, France, as he was coming up to the trenches on the 14 November 1916. His death was reported in the Cumberland Argus on the 5 May 1917.
After being reported missing in France on 14 November last, Private George Gentle, late of Granville, has now been officially reported killed in action. He was a single man, 44 years of age, and every inch a soldier. He was for four years in the employ of Mr J. R. Hughes, “High- lands,” Woodville-road, Granville. He was a native of old England, and before coming to this country he served 12 years in the Royal Fusiliers, England. He was then a corporal, and had seen active service abroad. Mr Hughes speaks of him as a faithful and most reliable servant, who studied his employer’s interests in every way possible. Mr Hughes was sorry to part with him, and looked forward to the time when he would return. Though well on in years he felt it his duty to offer his services to his King and country. He enlisted in April, 1915, and left for the front on 12 May. He took part in the fighting at Gallipoli and was amongst the first to go to France after the evacuation. He was wounded in the head whilst in France, but recovering he resumed his place in the firing line, and, as stated above, was reported missing on 14 November, 1916. His parents are dead, but he had relatives in England. When he left for the front he was attached to the 1 Reinforcements of the 19 Battalion. He was offered promotion on the field, but he preferred to remain a private.
Caroline Finlay, Research Facilitator, Parramatta Heritage Centre, 2015