GEORGE ARCHER-SHEE
George Archer-Shee was born 6 May 1895 in Bristol, son of Martin Archer-Shee, an agent of the Bank of England and his second wife, Helen. He was educated initially at Stonyhurst College near Clitheroe in Lancashire. In January 1908, he became a cadet at the Royal Naval College, Osborne on the Isle of Wight. While he was there, he was accused of stealing a postal order for five shillings (twenty five pence). This story provides the basis for Terence Rattigan's play 'The Winslow Boy'.
George returned to Stonyhurst College to complete his education. He was commissioned as a Second Lieutenant in the 3rd Bn South Staffordshire Regiment 3 May 1913 and was promoted to Lieutenant 23 February of the following year.
The 3rd Bn were a reserve unit based in the UK throughout the war. Lt Archer-Shee, by now attached to the 1st Bn, arrived in Belgium on 7 October 1914.
On 31 October, the 1st Bn was in the front line at Gheluvelt, east of Ypres. Orders to retire had been despatched when it was realised that the Germans were advancing in strength. Apparently, the order to retire did not reach Lt Archer-Shee, so he and his platoon held on against great odds in an exposed position. When the message finally reached him, he was the last to retire and various reports were received relating to his wounds. He was reported 'wounded and missing'.
Helen Archer-Shee, who lived at Littleholme (now Winslow House) on Atcombe Road, made many attempts to discover what happened to her son. It is now assumed that he died of his wounds on the battlefield on 31 October 1914.
George returned to Stonyhurst College to complete his education. He was commissioned as a Second Lieutenant in the 3rd Bn South Staffordshire Regiment 3 May 1913 and was promoted to Lieutenant 23 February of the following year.
The 3rd Bn were a reserve unit based in the UK throughout the war. Lt Archer-Shee, by now attached to the 1st Bn, arrived in Belgium on 7 October 1914.
On 31 October, the 1st Bn was in the front line at Gheluvelt, east of Ypres. Orders to retire had been despatched when it was realised that the Germans were advancing in strength. Apparently, the order to retire did not reach Lt Archer-Shee, so he and his platoon held on against great odds in an exposed position. When the message finally reached him, he was the last to retire and various reports were received relating to his wounds. He was reported 'wounded and missing'.
Helen Archer-Shee, who lived at Littleholme (now Winslow House) on Atcombe Road, made many attempts to discover what happened to her son. It is now assumed that he died of his wounds on the battlefield on 31 October 1914.