George Edward Randall was killed in action on this day in 1914
George Edward Randall was born 29 Feb 1892 in Norwich. His father was Charles William Randall, owner of the company CW Randall & Co Ltd in London. His mother was Emma Witton (née Bowell). He had an older brother, Charles. In 1901, the family lived at The Hollies, Grove Hill, Woodford
George was educated at Sidcup College. In time he became Managing Director of the German branch of his father's business.
On 15 June 1914, aged 22, George joined the London Scottish Territorial Force which had been created in 1908 becoming the 14th Battalion of the newly formed London Regiment. At the outbreak of war, he volunteered for foreign service and, on 15 Sep 1914, went to France. The 1/14th London Scottish was the first TF infantry battalion to join the BEF, where it was attached to GHQ.
Just over a month later, it fought its first battle at Messines, commemorated today by the memorial that stands beside the Messines-Ypres road. The London Scottish were positioned in key defensive locations to hold the line against the advancing enemy. Despite suffering heavy casualties, they displayed ferocious resistance at one point conducting the famous bayonet charge counter-attack against an overwhelming German advance.
George was killed in action on 1 November 1914. Although he was buried nearby, his grave was lost and today he is commemorated on the Menin Gate in Ypres.
His family erected a stained-glass window to his memory in St Mary’s Church, Woodford.
The current window on display is a compilation made from fragments as the original windows were damaged following a fire in February 1969. This explains why the inscription does not read as intended.
In loving memory of
in the Great European
George Edward Randall who was
War. This window was erected by
killed in action Nov 1st 1914 at Messines
his Parents and Brother.
2093 Private George Edward Randall, 14th Bn London Regiment (London Scottish)