George was born in Corry’s Deed, Newtownards, his parents’ home, on 29th August 1892.

His job before he enlisted in the Army was that of a Moulder.

His Army papers reveal that he enlisted in the Royal Inniskilling Fusiliers on 12^th May 1911; his regimental number was then 10038 and he held the rank of Private.  He was employed as a Groom in his Regiment from 8^th June 1912 until 7^th July 1919 (7 years 335 days with the Colours) and from that date until 14^th May 1923 in the

Army Reserve (4 years 30 days) – the sums of days do not agree with the dates

George’s description in his discharge papers confirm that he was 5’6¼” tall, with a fresh complexion, blue eyes and fair hair.  He had a scar on the outer side of his left knee and left leg and the left side of his forehead.

George married Elizabeth Marshall at St Patrick’s Parish Church, Ballymaccarrett, County Down, on 18^th April 1922, aged 29 and 27 respectively. George’s occupation on marriage was that of a Fitter’s Helper; he then lived at Keerslauch Street, and Elizabeth at 43 Dee Street.  Witnesses at the wedding were John Marshall and Caroline Whiteside

George and Elizabeth had a son and a daughter

George Stannage born on 18^th April 1923

Fanny Stannage born in 1926

In 1935, George reserved a burial plot at Dundonald Cemetery, presumably for his father.  (Section 72, Class 4, Number 424).  He was the living at 61 Glenvarlock Street, Belfast.

Elizabeth died in 1943 and was buried in the family plot.

George died in Musgrave Park Hospital of Thrombosis on 17 May 1958  The informant was his son, George Stannage Aitken.  At the time of his death, George’s job was that of a Crane Driver.

Administration was granted to his son on 1^st July 1958. His personal estate was valued at £501-19-4 and real estate was nil.