Plaque to honour the last British soldier killed in First World War

HIS STORY sums up the selfless heroism and needless tragedy of the First World War.

George Edwin Ellison was the husband and father from Leeds who has gone down in history as the last British soldier to be killed in action during the war.

The 40-year-old was shot on the outskirts of the Belgian town of Mons in November 1918, just 90 minutes before the Armistice brought an end to the fighting.

And now, 100 years on, Mr Ellison is to be recognised with a plaque as part of his home city’s efforts to commemorate the centenary of the signing of the Armistice. The tribute has been announced by Leeds Civic Trust, which is aiming to cover the £2,000 cost of the plaque and an accompanying booklet with a public crowdfunding campaign.

The plaque will be unveiled on a yet-to-be confirmed date next month at Leeds City Station, with the location being chosen as a way of also remembering the thousands of other men who lost their lives after heading off by train to serve their country between 1914 and 1918.

Previous heritage plaques put in place around the city have been blue but this one will be green in colour to match the uniforms that were worn by Mr Ellison and his fellow soldiers.

Martin Hamilton, director of Leeds Civic Trust, said: “This special plaque will remember all of those from Leeds who served in World War One by remembering one life – that of father and husband George Ellison.” Mr Hamilton added: “Before we finalise arrangements, we are keen to make contact with any surviving relatives to ensure that they are involved in this commemoration, and would ask them to contact Leeds Civic Trust as soon as possible.”