Er family played in Great War
BUTE TO THE FIRST WORLD WAR HEROES IN HER FAMILY
and sixpence from the army following George’s death, as well as a war gratuity of £10 from a “grateful nation”.
“My Great Uncle George died during the Battle of Arras – a battle in which tens of thousands were injured or killed. I still have a copy of Crouch’s letter, which I find incredibly moving,” said Julie.
George is today remembered on the Arras Memorial and was posthumously awarded the British War Medal and Victory Medal. He is also honoured on several war memorials in Sunderland.
Just one other of William Ryall’s sons – George’s younger brother Archibald Charles – was old enough to fight in the First World War. His career in the military was brief, however, due to health issues.
The apprentice plater joined the 7th Battalion Yorks Regiment in September 1914, just weeks after war broke out, and spent 190 days training in Wareham with 50th Brigade 17th (Northern) Division.
In March 1915, however, he was discharged as no longer fit for war service due to the eye condition Nystagmus. As he headed back to Sunderland, so his comrades saw action at Ypres and The Somme.
“It was not Archie’s fault that he couldn’t fight, his health just wasn’t good enough. I am just as proud of him as I am of all the other war heroes in my family and across Sunderland,” said Julie. “On Remembrance Sunday, as thousands gather to remember Sunderland’s fallen war heroes, I will be wearing my poppy with pride. It is a mark of respect to all those who never came home.”