George Lahmers

Record type: War Memorials

Town / Village residence: Douglas

Biography: Rifleman, Rifle Brigade. Military Medal.

George Henry was born in Douglas, Isle of Man, in 1896. In 1914 he joined the Rifle Brigade, Special Reservists, and landed in France on 27 December. In 1918 George Henry was awarded the Military Medal for bravery in the field, including his part in the retreat from Vrely.

In early 1918 the Russians had withdrawn from the War and Germany transferred fifty divisions from the Eastern to the Western Front. This Spring Offensive was an attempt to split the British and French armies and force negotiations before the Americans become fully engaged in the War.

The British army were forced into a fighting retreat and on 28th March George Henry, part of the 3rd Battalion, The Rifle Brigade, was in a position West of the small town of Vrely in Northern France following a night of heavy shelling. At midday, the whole of the 8th Division to their left retired and the 3rd Battalion was ordered forward to defend the retreat. The Battalion fought against heavy machine gun fire at short range before they were also able to retreat.

The War Diary said that the retirement of the 8th Division ‘placed us in a situation so critical that it was only by fighting with both our flanks turned and with the utmost determination and courage that the Brigade was extricated from a critical and impossible situation’.

The War Diary also said, ‘The position at Vrely was an impossible one and it is a marvel that anyone ever got away from it’. Rifleman Lahmers was named, stating, ‘The following officers, N.C.O.s and men were among those who did excellent work’.

After the War George Henry lived in Barrow-in-Furness and joined the Merchant Navy, sailing between Barrow and New York. He later worked in the shipyard and died in 1969, aged 72.

George Henry’s Military Medal is held by the Dock Museum, Barrow-in-Furness, together with his 1914-1915 Star, British War Medal and Victory medal.

Information supplied by Gordon Lahmers (2018).

Gender: Male

External sources: Castle Mona Avenue, Douglas

Memorial: Isle of Man Great War Roll of Honour (1914-1918)

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