Devonshire Regiment
George Baynham was born in 1890 and was the son of William Baynham (1857-1922) and Isabella (née Smith) (1858-1930).
The family lived at Mile End, near Coleford, Gloucestershire and George, his father and three brothers were all coal miners. The 1911 Census shows that George’s occupation was as a ‘colliery horse keeper below ground’.
Private George Baynham probably served with the 13th (Works) Battalion of the Devonshire Regiment, which was formed at Saltash in June 1916. In April 1917 it became the 3rd Labour Battalion. His transfer to 374th Home Service Company, Labour Corps (number 144765) probably coincided with this and he was serving with this unit at the time of his death. He did not serve overseas.
George Baynham died from pneumonia in the Military Hospital at Fovant, Wiltshire on 12 July 1918, aged 28 years and he was buried in Forest of Dean (Christchurch) Cemetery.
His grave is marked by a large private stone headstone which also bears an inscription to his younger brother Amos who died in October 1918.
Researched by Eric Nicholls 22 December 2019