George Samuel Housley (1886–1962)

Corporal

Royal Army Medical Corps 125196

Crich F.C. Photo 1912-13, courtesy Terry Daniels

Photo of George Housley

Biography
George worked as an insurance agent. Prior to the war he was secretary of Crich Town F.C. He married Mary Hannah Hitchcock in 1914. He suffered from malaria during 1918. An article in the Derbyshire Courier in May 1920 stated that George was the last of the Crich Parish men to be demobbed. At some point after demob he became a smallholder at Causeway Lane Farm.

Derbyshire Courier 1 May 1920
The last of Crich’s soldiers to be demobilised arrived home on Thursday of last week. Cpl George HOUSLEY, of Alma House, Wheatcroft, who was away from home nearly 2 ½ years without leave, has been serving with the R.A.M.C., first in Salonica, and latterly in Turkey.

Medal Index Card
George was awarded the Victory and British War medals.

Service Record
George was medically examined on 20 June 1917, aged 31 years and 2 months, an insurance agent born in Crich. His height was 5ft 6in and he weighed 134lb. His medical record states that he suffered from malaria during September 1918 and suffered 30% disability. It also noted an old fracture to his left patella.

Notes
George Samuel Housley married Mary Hannah Hitchcock 21 September 1914 at Crich; aged 28 working as an insurance agent.
He was involved with the local football teams.

Photo courtesy Terry Daniels

Photo of Crich Town Football Club 1912

Back row: W. R. Clayton, S. Beresford, F. Dawes, S. Holmes, T. Bowmer, J. Bowmer, W. Smith, S. Bowmer, J. Buckley, J. Wetton

Middle: V. Bowmer, P.S. Smith, D.F. Hawkes (Chairman), J. Leafe (Captain), G.S. Housley (Hon.Sec), J. Bowmer, G. Bollington

Front: H. Harrison, F. H. Brumwell, J.C. Harshorne, H.Holmes

Newspaper report

Derbyshire Courier 13 August 1913
CRICH TOWN
That nothing succeeds like success is being verified by the Town club who are launching out in the fields hitherto untrodden. This season sees the Premier team competing in the preliminary stages of the English Cup Competition and the match at Crich is, when the homesters oppose Gresley Colliery in the first round, will arouse great enthusiasm. Although losing the services of the speedy right winger Vernon Bowmer, who was signed for Chesterfield Town, the team can still claim the title of the "Bowmer" team. As John, in goal, Thomas and the old warhorse Sam at the back, with Ernest and John at halfback will still be prominent figures in the eleven. Although last season's players are P. S. Smith, Walter Smith, Jos. Leafe (who is again to be skipper), Francis Brumwell (vice captain), G. Bollington, F. Dawes and Henry Holmes. New players include W. Hunt (South Wingfield) Jas. Holmes (late Ripley Town), and A. Rawlings (Derby), while several more are on view. The officials are: President, Mr Maurice Deacon; committee Messrs. D.P. Hawkes (chairman), S. Holmes, Hy. Wardle, H. Taylor, J. Bingham, J. Whetton, G. Brumwell, H. Burrows, J. Buckley, S. Beresford, A. Nash, W. R. Clayton and P. S.Smith. Mr Geo. Housley, who ably carried out the secretarial duties last season, again fulfilled the office. The headquarters are at the Cliff Inn and the ground which has been strongly fenced is the Cliff Lane Field the club colours are black and white.
The first home match is on September 6th when Hanging Bridge are visitors. Mr Lot Heappey has been appointed groundsmen. The secretary states that in numerous instances the subscriptions have been doubled from last year and the outlook bespeaks a prosperous season.

The Courier 1 May 1920
The last of Crich’s soldiers to be demobilised arrived home on Thursday of last week. Corporal George Housley, of Alma House, Wheatcroft, was been away from home nearly 2½ years without leave, has been serving with the RAMC, first in Salonika, and latterly in Turkey.


Mary Hannah E Hitchcock is believed to be the sister of Samuel Hitchcock

George's brother William Housley is also on the Roll of Honour.

CENSUS INFORMATION

1891: Crich

Forename Surname Relationship Age Occupation Where born
George Housley Head 37 Engine driver Crich
Eve Housley wife 28   Crich
Alice Housley daughter 10 Scholar Crich
Luke Housley son 6 Scholar Crich
George Housley son 5 Scholar Crich
Clara Housley daughter 1   Crich
Israel Barnes boarder 29 Quarryman Crich

RG12 piece 2746 folio 55 page 1

1901: Crich

Forename Surname Relationship Age Occupation Where born
George Housley Head 46 Gritstone quarryman Crich
Eve Housley wife 40   Crich
Alice Housley daughter 20 Hosiery presser mill Crich
Luke Housley son 17 Gritstone quarryman Crich
George Housley son 15 Gritstone quarryman Crich
Clara Housley daughter 11   Crich
Willie Housley son 7   Crich
Matthew Housley brother 41 Gritstone quarryman Crich

RG13 piece 3231 folio 21 page 34

1911: Market Place, Crich

Forename Surname Relationship Age Occupation Where born
George Housley Head 56 Labourer lime works Crich
Eve Housley wife 50   Crich
Alice Housley daughter 30 Factory hand hosiery presser Crich
George Housley son 25 Quarryman limestone Crich
Clara Housley daughter 21 Factory hand hosiery mender Crich
William Housley son 17 Factory hand hosiery maker Crich
Matthew Housley boarder 52 Labourer Crich

RG14PN20983 RG78PN1251 RD436 SD4 ED12 SN1

1918 Crich voters
George Housley, North View; absent on military service.

1939 Register: Causeway Lane Farm, Plaistow Green, Crich
George S Housely b.4 April 1886; smallholder
Mary H C Housely b.9 August 1891