George Basford

Royal Air Force

Personal Details

Born:  7 May 1890 in Whitchurch, Shropshire.

Family: He was the second of seven children born to Joseph Basford, a bricklayer, and his wife Mary (nee Fowles). George married Ada Edwards in 1925 and together they had one son, George N.

Residence: In 1891 his family were living at 3 Churton`s Yard, off Bark Hill, Whitchurch, Shropshire. However at  the time of the 1901 Census he appeared to have been staying with his grandfather, Mr George Fowles, at 2 Raven Yard, Whitchurch. By 1911 the family were living with their now widowed mother in Groom`s Yard, Whitchurch, Shropshire. When the 1919 Absent Voters List was published his address was given as that of 3 Thomas`s Yard, Whitchurch, Shropshire. In 1939, the family were living at Raven Cottage, Welshpool, Montgomeryshire, Wales.

Employment: According to the 1911 Census George was working as a bricklayer`s labourer. His military documents describe him as a labourer at the time his enlistment in 1916. In 1939 his occupation was motor fitter.

Died: In 1979, aged 89.

Military Details

Regiment:  Royal Air Force (previously Royal naval Air Service)

Rank:  Air Mechanic 2

Service Number:  224427 (previously F24427)

Date of Enlistment:  1 November 1916 (Transferred to R.A.F. 1 April 1918)

Date of Discharge: Discharged from R.A.F. Reserve,  30 April 1920

Reason for Discharge: Not known

Medals and Awards

George was awarded The British War Medal


The British War Medal

Great War History Hub Whitchurch Shropshire Medals Front Image

The British War Medal (also known as 'Squeak') was a silver or bronze medal awarded to officers and men of the British and Imperial Forces who either entered a theatre of war or entered service overseas between 5th August 1914 and 11th November 1918 inclusive. This was later extended to services in Russia, Siberia and some other areas in 1919 and 1920. Approximately 6.5 million British War Medals were issued. Approximately 6.4 million of these were the silver versions of this medal. Around 110,000 of a bronze version were issued mainly to Chinese, Maltese and Indian Labour Corps. The front (obv or obverse) of the medal depicts the head of George V. The recipient's service number, rank, name and unit was impressed on the rim.





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