George Lindon was born in 1891 in Packwood, the only son of the four surviving children of Daniel, a farmer and gardener, and his wife, Charlotte Eliza (nee Hull). George became a gardener at Knowle Hall but joined the Army within a month of the outbreak of war. He was killed in action, aged 24, on 28th September 1915, serving as a Private with the 2nd Battalion The Buffs (East Kent Regiment).
At the time of the 1901 census 9-year-old George was living with his parents and three sisters in Station Road, Knowle. By 1911, he was boarding at the Lodge, Knowle Hall, and working as a gardener, whilst his parents were living in Mill Lane, Bentley Heath with his maternal grandmother and aunt.
Less than a month after war was declared in 1914, George had joined the Army. He enlisted at Walsall on 2nd September 1914, indicating his willingness to serve with the cavalry of the line. He was described as 5ft 8½ in. tall, having a fresh complexion, grey eyes, and light brown hair. He joined the 13th Hussars at Scarborough on the same day, and was then transferred to the 3rd Reserve Regiment of Cavalry on 5th November 1914. This regiment had been formed in August 1914 at Canterbury, Kent, and trained men for service with several cavalry regiments – 3rd and 6th Dragoon Guards, Northamptonshire Yeomanry, Surrey Yeomanry and Sussex Yeomanry.
On 2nd June 1915, he was transferred to The Buffs (East Kent Regiment) and he joined the 2nd Battalion in France on 8th June 1915. He is one of more than 20,000 officers and men who have no known grave and are commemorated on the Loos Memorial.
George had been a choirboy at Knowle Parish Church, and his name is recorded on an individual plaque in the choir stalls at the church. He is also commemorated on the Solihull war memorial in the Square outside St Alphege Church.
If you have any more information about George Lindon, please let us know.
Tracey
Heritage & Local Studies Librarian
tel.: 0121 704 6934
email: heritage@solihull.gov.uk
Solihull Life 
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