George Francis O'Brien
Kevin O’Brien has given us permission to share this wonderful photo of his Grandfather, George Francis O’Brien, who manned Anti-Aircraft guns at RAF Kenley during WW2.
George Francis O’Brien was born on 24th May, 1890, in Balham, South London. He enlisted in the Royal Navy sometime around 1909, giving his civilian occupation as “indoor servant,” and served aboard HMS Berwick, a Monmouth Class Armoured Cruiser from 1910-1913 – the 1911 census lists him as an Officers’ Cook somewhere in “China and East Indies.” In April 1913, he was aboard HMS Hecla, a Depot ship supporting the 4th Destroyer Flotilla, but between January 1914 and April 1916 he was served as “Officers’ Cook” on HMS Patrol, a Pathfinder class scout cruiser on coastal defence duties, which was badly damaged during the German bombardment of Hartlepool in December 1914. During May, 1914, he was treated for tonsillitis.
In October 1916, he transferred to the Army, serving in the Huntingdonshire Cyclist Battalion, (Service Number 290832) again his profession is noted as “cook” and his next of kin as living in Thornton Heath. He later rose to the rank of Corporal in the 8th & 4th Battalions of the Bedfordshire Regiment.
So George was already a Great War veteran by the time he donned a uniform again to serve at RAF Kenley. Judging by his cap badge, it appears that he was with the Queen’s West Surrey Regiment. We know that 12(HD) Battalion, Queen’s Royal Regiment had taken up general security duties and were manning defensive positions at Kenley from May 1940, so he may have been with them. Apparently he used to cycle to the airfield from his home in St.Saviour’s Rd, West Croydon – no surprise really after his service in the Cyclist Battalion!
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