George John Flack

b. ___ 1894 d. 1916

Private 4869

1st/23rd Bn., London Regiment

who died on Saturday, 16th September 1916. Age 22.

Son of Joseph and Eva Flach, of 47, Bethune Rd., Stoke Newington, London.

George Flach was born in 1894 and was educated at St. Ignatius' College, Stamford Hill from Sept 1902. He later became a commercial clerk. He enlisted in late 1915 or early 1916 and was called to rejoin the colours on 4" March 1916.

George arrived at Winnall Downs Camp, Winchester, for training on 7" March where he joined B company 3/23 London Regt. George wrote regularly his letters being preoccupied with the Flach obsession - food.

By June they were given notice that they were to move to France at any time. George going in July and arriving in Harfleur on 15th August was clearly very busy with much moving about. George was only able to send cards, the last being a field card sent on 11th Sept. Nothing further was heard.

On 15th October 1916 his mother wrote to the war office enquiring after him and was told that no report had been received and he was presumed to be with his unit. She wrote again on 26th and received the following reply:-

Madam,

I have to acknowledge receipt of your communication of 26th inst., relative to the fate 4869 Pte G J Flack 23rd London Regt. & to acquaint you in reply that your son was killed in the Battle of the Somme.

Nothing is known of how George died. At the time of the battle he was with 47th Div, which took part in the battle of Flers-Courcelette (famous for the first use of tanks) and were responsible for finally capturing the notorious High Wood. George's unit does not appear to have taken part in the attack on the first day (15th Sept). Due to the heavy casualties reserves were moved up to renew the assault on 16th but 1/23rd Londons are not listed as taking part.

47th Div were relieved on 19th Sept with casualties in excess of 4500 officers and men and the commanding officer was dismissed for "wanton waste of men"

It is not known where George is buried; he may be in the London Cemetery at High Wood where there are many thousands of unmarked graves. He is commemorated on the Thiepval Memorial at Pier and Face 9 D 9 C 13 C and 12 C.