My only link to this gentleman was nearly 40 years ago his grandson was my best man. With it now possible to find out some of his story, I thought I would record it here.


George Henry Marsden, DCM, MM.
George was born in Birkenhead, Cheshire, in 1888. Prior to WW1 he lived with his wife Elizabeth and their family in the Queens Buildings, Birkenhead, better known as the Dock Cottages, Illchester Square.
He was employed by Graysons Shipyard, Birkenhead, where he carried out his occupation as a Blacksmiths Striker.
In 1914 he enlisted in the Cheshire Regiment and steadily moved up through the ranks to become Company Sergeant Major.
His records show that his Army life didn’t run smoothly, having committed some misdemeanours.
5/1/15, Absent from night parade, 2 days confined to barracks.
24/2/15, Talking when marching, 4 days CB
10/4/15, Absent from 7am parade, 5 days stoppage of pay, 10 days CB
5/7/15, Overstaying Pass, 7 days stoppage of pay, 10 days CB
5/1/16, Neglect of Duty, Severely reprimanded.
1/3/17, Absent from parade, Severely reprimanded.
11/5/17, Absent from Billet, 8am to 8.45pm, Severely reprimanded and stopped 1 Days pay.
George was posted to France as part of the British Expeditionary Force on the 25/9/1915.
Throughout his time in France he received a number of wounds,
Gunshot wound to leg, 8/9/16.
GSW to left hand 10/4/18.
GSW to left knee 26/5/18.
GSW to head 3/9/18.
George was awarded the Distinguished Conduct Medal, 22/9/1916 and the Military Medal, 16/11/1916, for his bravery, notices in the London Gazette.
George was 25 years old when he joined up and served 4 years , 140 days.
He was medically discharged from the Army in 1919 suffering constantly with headaches from his head wound and received a pension of 6d a day. He returned home to enjoy the rest of his life with his family.

It's amazing how many soldiers who got in trouble turned out to be hero's. A hell of a life for this poor man and sixpence a day doesn't seem much for what he went through. Wonder if he got it for life? I doubt it very much!

Had to laugh at my grandfathers record and he only served at home in the Medical Corps. I think he got seven days CB for having women in the medical hut? I assume it was all innocent!!

Hello, I would like to introduce myself to these forums. I discovered this site when I Googled my Grandfathers name, George Henry Marsden.
Like most Men and Women who served in both world wars, he very rarely talked about his time in the Army. My Dad told me he was later in North (or South) Staffs regiment and he was recommended for the VC for his heroism. He saved the life of an officer when he carried him to safety under heavy fire. and suffered a head wound, as already mentioned by Bert. I am led to believe, one can only be recommended for the VC by an officer, unfortunately, the officer he saved the life of, was killed later in the war, so obviously he couldn't recommend him. He was awarded the MM instead.
As mentioned, he was a Blacksmiths striker and as a consequence of his severe head would, he had to have a tin plate inserted into his head. His head would get so hot by the Blacksmiths fire, he had to keep inserting it into the trough of water by the fire.
Bert, I would love to know some info. on the other Grandson who was your best man.

Hello Jud,

PM sent, you should have a flashing envelope, click on.

Can anyone tell me why (when I click on the link) I get a message telling me I don’t have have access to these files. I am George’s Grandson. Please help

Hi jud
That is a late reply, haha. Are you clicking on the envelope icon next to your username, top right of page?
If you are trying to click on the link in Berts post, you need to subscribe