Dedicated to the memory of all the men and women of the South Staffordshire area who died during the two World Wars.
The Roll of Honour in Pattingham Church lists John French as a man who served and returned from the war. The war memorial seems to have been intended to commemorate John's younger brother, George Ernest French.
George Ernest French, born in 1898, was baptised at Pattingham Church on 1st September of that year. He was the son of John French, a bricklayer's labourer, and his wife Annie.
Private George Ernest French, 203029, 5th Reserve Battalion, South Staffordshire Regiment died in London City Hospital on 25th May 1917. He had been a soldier for less than a year. The fact that he does not appear to have been awarded any medals suggests that he had not served overseas. He is buried in the churchyard at Pattingham.
This memorial has mostly been compiled from official sources. It would be good to be able to expand it with more personal material - memories, stories, photos, etc. If you have any suitable material or any corrections please contact Greg.