George Stringer

Infobox Military Person
name = George Stringer
lived = 24 January 1889 - 10 November 1957
placeofbirth = Newton Heath, Manchester
placeofdeath = Oldham, Lancashire


caption =
nickname =
allegiance = flagicon|United Kingdom United Kingdom
serviceyears =
rank = Private
branch =
commands = 1st Bn, Manchester Regiment
current position=
battles =World War 1
awards =Victoria Cross
Mentioned in Despatches
Milosh Obilich Gold Medal for Bravery
laterwork =

George Stringer VC (24 July, 1889-22 November, 1957) from Newton Heath, Manchester was an English recipient of the Victoria Cross, the highest and most prestigious award for gallantry in the face of the enemy that can be awarded to British and Commonwealth forces.

Early life

Upon leaving school, George working for a local cloth dyer and bleacher. In 1905 he went on to join the Lancashire Fusilier Volunteers, a militia unit, and just before the outbreak of World War One he joined a territorial unit of the Manchester Regiment, then went on active duty with the 1st Battalion.

Military career

His unit fought in France until December 1915, then was posted to Mesopotamia in January 1916. He was awarded the VC for heroic actions during the Battle of Es Sinn, March 8, 1916. During the effort to relieve the besieged garrison of British and Indian Army troops at Kut-el-Amara.

Three days later he saved the lives of two officers, for which he was Mentioned in Despatches and the Serbians awarded him the Milosh Obilich Gold Medal for Braveryl. Some time after this he was wounded and developed enteric fever and Jaundice and was retuned to the UK in June 1917.

As a result of his wounds he was given a disability pension and a job as a doorkeeper with the Manchester Assistance Board which he kept until he retired at age 62, with time out during World War II for a stint as a munitions worker. At the age of 68 he passed in the town of Oldham and later buried in Philips Park cemetery, close to William Jones VC.

His medals are in the collection of the [http://www.tameside.gov.uk/museumsgalleries/mom Museum Of The Manchester Regiment] , Ashton under Lyne, Greater Manchester.

Citation

"For most conspicuous bravery and determination. After the capture of an enemy position, he was posted on the extreme right of the Battalion in order to guard against any hostile attack. His battalion was subsequently forced back by an enemy counter-attack, but Private Stringer held his ground single-handed and kept back the enemy till all his hand-grenades were expended. His very gallant stand saved the flank of his battalion and rendered a steady withdrawal possible."

ee also

* Mesopotamian campaign
* Battle of Ctesiphon

References

* Monuments to Courage (David Harvey, 1999)
* The Register of the Victoria Cross (This England, 1997)

External links

* [http://www.homeusers.prestel.co.uk/stewart/manchest.htm Location of grave and VC medal]
* [http://www.tameside.gov.uk/museumsgalleries/mom Manchester Regiment Museum]