Hull Pals Memorial Post. PRIVATE GEORGE DEARLOVE 12/1003. Born in January 1896, George was the eldest of four children to George and Sarah Dearlove of 9 Alexandra Avenue, Bridlington Street, Hull. It is a constant reminder of just how young these men were when you read the 1911 Census and see that many were still in school. In the case of George, he was a Green Grocer’s Errand Boy. All I see is a child on a bike too big for him, cabbages and carrots crammed into the handlebar basket as he tries with all his might to find the strength to control its destiny. A metaphor perhaps for his short career in defence of King and Country. George enlisted at City Hall joining the 12th Battalion East Yorkshire Regiment, 3rd Hull Pals. He was killed in action on 19th July 1916 as the Somme battle raged around him. A child in a uniform too big for his body, but not for his courage. George Dearlove is buried in Rue-Du-Bacquerot No.1 Military Cemetery; he was 20 years old. His grave inscription, reads, “Ever in Thought”.
His name is listed on the Bridlington Street Roll of Honour, (Hull Daily Mail 29 December 1916).
His death was reported in the Hull Dily Mail, on 9th August 1916. *
