38968 Private George Edward Lennon, (20/5/1896-24/12/1917). "in action in France"

 RECRUITING.

ASHBURTON ENLISTMENTS

Sidney Herbert Reed, fireman, Ashburton, was the only recruit accepted for active service at the Ashbnrton Defence Office to-day.

George Edward Lennon, railway porter, enlisted, but is temporarily unfit.  -Ashburton Guardian, 3/8/1916.

Official advice was received by Mr W. Lennon last night that his second son, Private George Edward Lennon, who left New Zealand with the Twenty-second Reinforcements, was killed in action in France on December 25. Private Lennon, who was 22 years of age, was in the employ of the Railway Department as a clerk at Lyttelton when he enlisted, and was formerly secretary of the Ashburton Catholic Club.  -Ashburton Guardian, 10/1/1918.

Neither George Lennon's Army record nor the Official History of the Canterbury Regiment mention how he died.  It was a quiet time on the front lines.  Winter's freeze had hardened the mud, making artillery fire more dangerous.  He might have died from a German gun or been killed by a German sniper.

IN MEMORIAM. 

LENNON. — In fond and loving memory of Private George Edward Lennon, killed in action December 24, 1917. 

In a lonely grave in a far-off land, A grave we may never see;

But while life and memory lasts. We will remember thee. 

— Inserted by his sorrowing father, mother, sister and brothers.   -Ashburton Guardian, 24/12/1920.

LENNON. — In fond and loving memory of George Edward Lennon, who was killed in action in France, December 24, 1917. 

To-day recalls sad memories of one that has gone to rest; 

And those who think of him to-day, Are those who loved him best.

— Inserted by his loving, father, mother, sister, and brothers.   -Ashburton Guardian, 24/12/1921.

Ashburton Cemetery.