Private G. Pritchett
Regiment Unknown
Possibly George Pritchett born 1895, Aslockton, Nottinghamshire farm labourer and son of William Pritchett and Elizabeth Goodband. George was not living in the Selston Parish area by the time of the 1911 Census and his service record gives Ivy Road, Aslockton as his parents’ home address. He is not listed on the Absent Voters Roll for this area in 1918/1919 so may have moved here afterwards but before June 1921 when the Jacksdale War Memorial was unveiled. If this is the G. Pritchett listed on the Memorial, then he served with the East Kents, (the’Buffs’) and enlisted in Nottingham. His army record describes him as ‘a healthy country lad’ but only 5’1″ in height at age 20. His service number was 2034 and he was a recipient of the 1914-15 Star, the British War and Victory Medals. His service record makes no mention of any illnesses, wounds or hospital admissions, nor does it mention a wife or any dependants.
However, it is likely that he married Elizabeth (Lizzie) Gobey in 1915, possibly in Ampthill, Bedfordshire as Lizzie’s father originated from there. In 1901 Lizzie was living in Mansfield, Notts but by 1911 at the age of 20, she had moved to take up a position as a domestic servant at Bingham Road, Radcliffe-on-Trent, approximately 7 miles from Aslockton and perhaps that is how she met George. A Lizzie Pritchett (nee Gobey) of Laverick Road died in 1978 and is buried at Westwood, St Mary’s and her son named William John Pritchett was buried there in 1942, aged 26. George Henry Pritchett (of 51 Laverick Road) died in 1960, aged 67 and is also buried at St. Mary’s. These are the main pieces of information that connect George Pritchett with the Jacksdale area. Lizzie had another son in 1920, named Wilfred Pritchett.
Various newspaper accounts mention a Mr G. Pritchett who was a Sunday School teacher/superintendent at Westwood, St. Mary’s who assisted Church Army Captain Griffiths with various prize-givings and fund raising events in the early 1930’s. Mr Pritchett also helped with refreshments as did Mrs Pritchett.
Further information would be very welcome.