9th Battalion, Royal Irish Fusiliers (British Army)
Date Of Birth:
22/03/1897
Died:
01/07/1916 (Killed in Action)
Age:
19
Summary
George Chambers was the son of William and Ann Jane Chambers. George was born on 22nd March 1897 in Sherrygroom, Stewartstown. He was the youngest of eleven children. The family moved to live in Milford, County Armagh sometime between 1901 and 1911. George Chambers enlisted in Armagh with the 9th Battalion of the Royal Irish Fusiliers. Lance Corporal George Chambers was killed by machine gun fire on Saturday 1st July 1916, the first day of the Battle of the Somme.
Further Information
George Chambers was the youngest son of William and Ann Jane Chambers. William Chambers married Ann Tipping on 12th January 1880 in the district of Cookstown.
George Chambers was born on 22nd March 1897 in Sherrygroom, Stewartstown, County Tyrone. According to the census, he was the youngest of eleven children.
Known family: William Chambers, Ann Jane Chambers, Lizzie Chambers (born about 1879), Mary J Chambers (born 14th March 1882), James Chambers (born 12th March 1884), Annie Chambers (born 12th March 1886), Sarah Chambers (born 4th November 1887), John Chambers (born 26th July 1889), Alice Chambers (born 9th May 1891), Moses Chambers (born 28th March 1893), Margaret Chambers (born 19th July 1894), George Chambers (born 22nd March 1897).
The 1901 census lists George as age 2, living with the family at house 58 in Sherrigrim, Stewartstown, County Tyrone. His father was a farm labourer. Most of the family were cotton weavers.
The family moved to live in Milford, County Armagh sometime between 1901 and 1911.
The 1911 census lists George as age 14, living with the family at house 7 in Milford Town, Hill Street, Ballyaros, County Armagh. George was still at school. His father was a general labourer and most of the family worked as linen weavers.
George Chambers enlisted in Armagh with the 9th Battalion of the Royal Irish Fusiliers. This Battalion was raised from the Armagh, Monaghan and Cavan Volunteers.
After training at Seaford, Private George Chambers arrived at Boulogne in October 1915.
Lance Corporal George Chambers was killed by machine gun fire on Saturday 1st July 1916, the first day of the Battle of the Somme.
From the Armagh Guardian dated 30th November 1917:
Previously reported missing, now reported killed. 14065 Lance Corporal George Chambers, Armagh.
Last Will and Testament of Lance Corporal George Chambers dated 15th April 1916:
In the event of my death I leave the whole of my property and possessions to Mr William Chambers, 7 Hill Street, Milford, Armagh, Ireland. Signed Private George Chambers, No 14065, 9th Royal Irish Fusiliers.
Lance Corporal Chambers is buried close to where he fell in Ancre British Cemetery, Beaumont-Hamel at the Somme in France.
Lance Corporal George Chambers is commemorated in Aughavilly Church of Ireland, County Armagh. Also listed on the memorial amongst those that served is a John Chambers.
