Also Served: George Hivey - George HIVEY
1 Rowson Street, Prescot Gunner 10932, 51st Division, Royal Field Artillery Born in Knowsley on 6th March 1897, George Hivey was the son of John and Susannah Hivey of Cook Street, Whiston. Susannah died in November 1904 and in 1907, John remarried to Annie Gordon Murray in Prescot.
It would appear that George had migrated to Canada at some point, as he returned from Manitoba in October 1914, presumably with intent to join the army.
George stated that he was 20 years old when he joined the Royal Field Artillery on 22nd March 1916 in Liverpool. He lived at the above address, was single and worked as a Labourer. His father, John Hivey of 24, Moss Street, was listed as his next of kin.
He went to France with his unit on 28th November 1915.
George was awarded the Military Medal for "Bravery In The Field", this being listed in the London Gazette of 9th July 1917.
George Hivey's Military medal card, courtesy of John Yates
His father wrote to the Army in late 1917, asking,
"Would you kindly let me know if possible of the whereabouts of Gunner George Hivey, 10932, "D" Battery, 256th Brigade, 51st Division, RFA. I have never heard from himself since the 9th of May last..........and I am anxious to know if he is doing alright, so if you could oblige me with an answer" (the remainder of the note is illegible).
There is no record of any reply.
George was demobilised on 18th February 1919 at Prees Heath, Shropshire and he returned to Manitoba, Canada, in June of that year, along with his wife.
He was entitled to the 1915 Star, British War Medal and Victory Medal in addition to his Military Medal.
In June 1934. George and his family returned to the UK and settled on the Fylde coast. At that time, George was 37 years old and recorded his occupation as “Policeman”. His wife Elizabeth was 46 and they had children George (9) and Helen (8).
I am indebted to Robert Kotyk, great great nephew of George Hivey for providing the following images
Taken sometime in the 1970's, this picture shows George with a display of how own medals from the Great War and those of his son, also George, who died in 1946, aged 22 in Blackpool
This is George's note explaining the medals in the earlier image
George working with the Royal Canadian Mounted Police between the wars
This is George's father, John Hivey, of Moss Street, Prescot
Ref. No.: A0509
|
