CRICH PARISH
Crich, Fritchley, Whatstandwell, Bullbridge, Crich Carr, Coddington, Wheatcroft, Wakebridge
George William Petts (1892–1980)
Sergeant
| Sherwood Foresters (Notts and Derby Regiment) | 2254 | 5th Battalion |
| Royal Defence Corps | 46630 |
Biography
Before the war George played for Alderwaley Park Cricket Club. He worked as a joiner throughout his life. While serving in France in 1915 he was promoted to sergeant . George W Petts married Eleanor Goodey in 1918 June qtr (Dunmow reg district)
Photo courtesy Miss E Bunting
Medal Roll Index Card
He was awarded the Victory, British War and 15 Star Medals
Newspaper reports
Derbyshire Advertiser and Journal, 6 August 1915
ALDERWASLEY MEN AT THE FRONT
The Wirksworth parish magazine says: – “Since the magazine last came out, a number of our young men have started for the front. E Redfern, in the RFA, has been in hospital; Arthur Lee and Arthur Carrington started for the Dardanelles about July 1; Herbert Petts and Oscar Snow about the middle of the month for France; JHM White, whom we heartily congratulate on his promotion to be captain, left about the same time, having been engaged in Staff work, and the work of embarking troops. May they be in God's keeping and returning safety and with honours gained. Our best congratulations also to be given to George Petts who is now Lance sergt. We were glad to see Capt Shepherd-Cross home on leave and in good health.”
Derbyshire Times, 21 August 1915
DCM FOR ALDERWASLEY MEN
Alderwasley people have been very pleased to hear during the past week of the achievements of two of their soldiers, viz., George Petts, jnr, of the 5th Sherwood Foresters, who has been promoted to full sergeant while in the fighting line somewhere in France, and George Repton, son of Mrs Repton, who has gained the DCM in the Dardaneeles where he is working with the Field Services Telegraph Department.
The newspaper title is slightly misleading as only George Repton received the DCM.
George William Petts is also remembered on the Alderwasley Roll of Honour in the Church.
His brother Hubert Petts is also on the Roll of Honour.
CENSUS INFORMATION
1901: Hill Top, Alderwasley
| Forename | Surname | Relationship | Age | Occupation | Where born |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| George | Petts | Head | 45 | Stonemason & farmer | Crich |
| Mary E | Petts | wife | 43 | Wirksworth | |
| Harry | Petts | son | 22 | Stonemason | Clayton |
| Edward | Petts | son | 20 | Stonemason | Belgrave |
| Nellie | Petts | daughter | 18 | Thirnton | |
| John | Petts | son | 16 | Railway clerk | Alderwasley |
| Emily | Petts | daughter | 14 | Alderwasley | |
| Eva A | Petts | daughter | 12 | Alderwasley | |
| Mary | Petts | daughter | 10 | Alderwasley | |
| George W | Petts | son | 8 | Alderwasley | |
| Arthur | Petts | son | 7 | Alderwasley | |
| Edith | Petts | daughter | 1 | Alderwasley | |
| Sarah | Petts | daughter | 7mo | Alderwasley |
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1911: Whatstandwell
| Forename | Surname | Relationship | Age | Information | Where born |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| George | Petts | Head | 55 | Estate bailiff | Crich |
| Mary Ellen | Petts | wife | 53 | Wirksworth | |
| Emily | Petts | daughter | 24 | No occupation | Alderwasley |
| Mary | Petts | daughter | 20 | No occupation | Alderwasley |
| George | Petts | son | 18 | Joiner | Alderwasley |
| Arthur | Petts | son | 17 | Stone mason on estate | Alderwasley |
| Hubert | Petts | son | 15 | No occupation | Alderwasley |
| Edith | Petts | daughter | 11 | School | Alderwasley |
| Sarah | Petts | daughter | 10 | School | Alderwasley |
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1939 Register: 36 Meadow Road, Ripley
George W Petts b.15 May 1892
; woodworking machinist
Eleanor Petts b.16 May 1894
Margaret E Whitehurst (Petts)
b.10 May 1925; school
Ronald G Petts b.19 July 1927; school
one closed record