253181 Sgt. George William Wiggin DCM.British Army 2nd Btn. Lancashire Fusiliers from:Wigan I never had the honour of meeting my Grandfather, George Wiggin.
He died in the 1930's as a result of wounds he received during the Great War. According to my father he was an a quiet, proud man who suffered as a result of his war wounds.
He was unable to find regular work because of his injuries.
My father and his sister knew little of his war history because he was reluctant to recount his experiences.
My Grandmother was immensely proud of her husband. They had been childhood sweethearts and she treasured the postcards he sent her during the war. Although he returned in 1919 a much changed man, her love for him never wavered.
He joined the Lancashire fusiliers in 1912, family history suggests that he joined up because the Cotton Trade was enduring a slump and there wasn't enough money to feed the family.
He was part of the British Expeditionary Force in 1914 and continued to serve throughout the entire war. He was wounded five times and spent at least one period in hospital back in England. He was awarded the DCM in 1917, after charging a German machine gun post. He killed several men and took others prisoners.
I was given the middle name William in his honour, and in turn my first son also carries this name.
I would like to think that his tradition will carry on in the future to remember the great sacrifices that he and my grandmother made.
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