Description
Queen’s South Africa, 2 bars, Talana, Defence of Ladysmith, 4468 Private George “Ladysmith” Cunnington, Leicestershire Regiment.
Officially impressed: “4468 Pte G. Cunnington 1: Leic: Regt”
Confirmed on the medal roll.
During the Boer War, George was already in the country since 1897, stationed at Glencoe the regiment was brought up to fight at the nearby Battle of Talana Hill early into the war on 20th October 1899.
Whilst the battle was technically won by the British the column was forced into a retreat, and took refuge in Ladysmith, travelling their by night in silence leaving behind the mortally wounded Lieut General Penn-Symons and some Doctors to attempt to treat him, where they became encircled and under siege by the Boers.
George Cunnington was born in Kings Cliffe, Stamford, Lincolnshire circa 1875.
He was a 20 year old Farm Labourer when he enlisted at Leicester on 27th September 1895 with the local Leicestershire Regiment.
Served at Home from 27th September 1895 until 20th April 1897.
In South Africa, 24th April 1897 until 16th December 1900.
Home, 17th Dec 1900 until 26th September 1911.
Discharged after 16 years of service exactly on 26th September 1911.
He looks to not have had the best of days in his service in South Africa prior to the war, visiting hospital numerous times in 1897 for Syphilis and Mumps.
After coming home he was promoted to Lance Corporal on 2nd March 1901, and then Corporal on 3rd July 1902, retaining this rank until discharge in 1911, having been in the Army Reserve since 1902.
He later moved to Northamptonshire after leaving the Army and died there at Kettering on 2nd December 1931.
The family put out the following anniversary memorial in the Northamptonshire Evening Telegraph, 2nd December 1939:
“In treasured and loving memory of a dear Husband and Father, Corporal George (Ladysmith) Cunnington, who passed to a higher life, Dec 2nd 1931.
There’s a sad but sweet remembrance.
There’s a memory fond and true;
There’s a token of affection,
And a heartache still for you.
From his loving Wife and Children, The Rosary, Gretton.”
The memorial post was repeated for many years by his surviving wife and family.
