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George Watson's War.


This site is the story of George Watson.

George served in the Second World War as a member of the British Armies East Surrey Regiment. He saw active duty in Italy as a member of the London Irish Rifles.


George's story

George Watson, April 1940

George was called up in Feb 1940. He initially joined the East Surrey Regiment, and was transferred to H Company of the London Irish Rifles when he was posted to Italy in early 1944 as a Corporal.

George today
George started work as a tail board monkey in 1934 for a couple of laundry's where he met his wife Sally. Then he went inside the laundry on the machines as it was 9 bob a week more. Sally & George got married in 1939 and he was called up at the end of Jan 1940.

Following his discharge from the Army, he went back to be a driver on the laundry vans. His old driver was still there so he kept an eye on him as Sally had told him what he had gone through. It was a hard job to try and fetch up three kids on £4.15 shilling a week, but he had to stick it out. In 1950 George got another job driving for Burtons. His first weeks wages was over twice what he had been getting so they "lived like Lords"! Since then he did a stint Bus driving. Back then you had to have a Heavy goods licence and have a medical, but you could go to your own Doctor for the medical. George's doctor used to come and see his wife but George never went to him. He had driven him at times when his wife was bad so the medical was a piece of cake. He has never had a bad accident - little knocks here and there. For the last 11 years of his working life, George was driving a 38 ton articulated truck. He drove to Germany a couple of times but mainly in the UK. But his life was relatively "free and easy" and you were you own boss.


If you've enjoyed this wee story, I am sure George would like to hear from you. Please let him know you appreciate his efforts back then and mail him at george@watsonlir4446.fsnet.co.uk.


George's War     George Today     LIR Bn History May-Jun '44

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© July 2002, George Watson UK, and George McNeur, Christchurch N.Z.. Contact the Webmaster      George Watson .