George Henry PETTY,

242020, Corporal. b. 1892, Kinnington, Kent d. Thu. 3rd May 1917 (aged 26).

The youngest of several serving brothers, George was the chauffeur to wealthy Claytonian entrepreneur Harrison Benn, who had built Chrisharben Park many years previously. Harrison Benn was also to suffer during the war as his son in law was killed in action in 1915 (see Colin Buchanon-Dunlop’s record ), but in addition he lost many of his employees and workforce.

The son of James and Nancy Petty of 1 Watt Street, Clayton, George had joined the army in early 1916 and was posted to train with the 2nd/6th Battalion, West Yorkshire Regiment, before being finally sent to the front in France.

He arrived in late 1916 and was sent over the top in the Battle of Oppy Wood and was never seen again, similarly to Walter Hudson.

His status was initially posted as ‘Missing in Action’, and after persistent enquiries by James and Nancy as to their son’s whereabouts, this status was changed to presumed killed in action. Mr & Mrs Petty held onto the hope that their son had been made a prisoner of war during the fighting, and made enquiries in the press, but unfortunately it was to no avail.

George is remembered on the Arras Memorial.