Later Life

George continued his career as an NSPCC Inspector, leaving Manchester and returning to London in 1927.

From the year of his VC award in 1920 until his death in 1937, George attended numerous VC commemorations both in Manchester and London.

On 26th June 1920, within a couple of months of his VC award, George attended an Afternoon Party at Buckingham Palace given by King George V for recipients of the Victoria Cross.

George and the VCs assembled at Wellington Barracks and marched to the Palace via Birdcage Walk, Horse Guards Parade and The Mall which were lined by cheering crowds. They were preceded by the Band of the Welsh Guards. The King inspected the VCs who afterwards marched past before being individually presented to the King and Queen. The VCs then enjoyed their host's hospitality in the more informal surroundings of the Palace Gardens.

George was the 'newest' VC at the occasion.

In July 1921, George and three other of the region's VCs were presented to Edward, the Prince of Wales at a parade held in Albert Square, Manchester (see photograph below).

From George's left, Prince Edward was also presented to John Readitt VC (behind the Prince), George Stringer VC and Harry Coverdale VC.

On the extreme right of the photograph with his back to the camera and in top hat, is Lord Derby who was regarded as 'England's best recruiting sergeant' in the formation of the Pals Battalions during the first months of the war. He also served for a period as Secretary of State for War in the war-time government.

George being presented to the Prince of Wales in Albert Square, July 1921

George attended the VCs Dinner in the Royal Gallery of the House of Lords hosted by Edward, the Prince of Wales, on 9th November 1929. A total of 319 VCs attended the dinner.

George is seated just to the left of centre in the photograph below. He was seated next to Private Thomas Kenny VC to the left and Colour Sergeant James Smith VC to the right.

In keeping with the VC award which can be given to service personnel of any rank, the seating arrangements were not determined according to rank - Privates and Sergeants sat with Colonels and Generals.

Other than the 1920 Buckingham Palace Garden Party, no other single event was or is in the future ever likely to be attended by such a number of VCs.

The VC's Dinner

Following his untimely death on 28th September 1937 at the age of 61 years, George was buried with full military honours in Elmers End Cemetery, Annerley. Scots Guardsmen acted as pall-bearers and a lone Guardsman bugler sounded the Last Post.