Geoffrey Matthew George Culley
Surname: Culley
Other names: Geoffrey Matthew George
Locations in this story: Glendale, NorthumberlandFrance & FlandersBulls Road Cemetery, Flers, Somme, FranceGrove House, Semley, WiltshireSt. Leonard's Church, Semley
Story: Geoffrey Matthew George Culley was born in 1883 in the Glendale Registration District of Northumberland. He was the son of Matthew Tewart Culley, described as "Living on own means", and Eleanor Jane Culley (née Darling). Geoffrey's father died on 2nd March, 1889. At the time of the 1911 Census, Geoffrey was a Regular Soldier with the rank of Captain serving with the 4th Reserves of the Durham Light Infantry and living at Grove House, Semley, Wiltshire (the home of his mother). He married Elizabeth Frances Twynam in 1914. There were two sons of the marriage both of whom died in the Second World War.
At the outbreak of war he joined the 9th Scottish Rifles but later transferred to the 11th Battalion of the Queen's Own (Royal West Kent) Regiment. He served in France & Flanders and at the time of his death had retained the rank of Captain. He was awarded the Victory, British War and 1915 Star medals. He died on 15th September 1916 and was buried at Bulls Road Cemetery, Flers, Somme, France (grave id.III.G.8). He is remembered on the Semley War Memorial in St. Leonard's churchyard, and on the Roll of Honour inside the church. His name (spelt with a J) was included on the Baptist Chapel plaque, now also in the church.
His sons, George. W. Culley (b. 1915) was a Major in the Royal Artillery (Airborne Division) and won the Military Cross whilst Geoffrey Matthew Culley (b.1916) served as a Sergeant with 39 Squadron, Royal Air Force)
At the outbreak of war he joined the 9th Scottish Rifles but later transferred to the 11th Battalion of the Queen's Own (Royal West Kent) Regiment. He served in France & Flanders and at the time of his death had retained the rank of Captain. He was awarded the Victory, British War and 1915 Star medals. He died on 15th September 1916 and was buried at Bulls Road Cemetery, Flers, Somme, France (grave id.III.G.8). He is remembered on the Semley War Memorial in St. Leonard's churchyard, and on the Roll of Honour inside the church. His name (spelt with a J) was included on the Baptist Chapel plaque, now also in the church.
His sons, George. W. Culley (b. 1915) was a Major in the Royal Artillery (Airborne Division) and won the Military Cross whilst Geoffrey Matthew Culley (b.1916) served as a Sergeant with 39 Squadron, Royal Air Force)
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