George Reginald Belbin

Story:
George Reginald Belbin was born in Blandford, Dorset, in 1893 and baptised there on 15th October 1893, the son of Harry Belbin and Elizabeth Belbin (née Tucker). The family had moved to 11 St. James Street, Shaftesbury, Dorset, by 1901. George enlisted on 26th January 1917 and joined the Royal Garrison Artillery as a Gunner (Service No. 136147).  He served in Egypt with the 10th Mountain Howitzer Battery and whilst there suffered shell splinter wounds to the neck as well having nasal problems which were aggravated by his service conditions, as a result of which, he was awarded a short lived 10% pension.  He was discharged on 24th April 1920 and awarded the Victory and British War medals.  He had given 4 Victoria Street, Shaftesbury, on the 1918 Absent Voters List.  He had married Bessie May (or Mary) Gullimore in Shaftesbury on 18 Jan 1917  just prior to his enlistment.  By the 1921 Census he was living apparently apart from his wife at 4 Coronation Buildings, Yeovil, Somerset, described as an out of work Crane Driver and it was to this address his pension was made out.    His wife meanwhile was living at 4 Victoria Street, Shaftesbury, with two children.    Regrettably George died in Shaftesbury during 1929 and was buried in the Town Cemetery on 17 Jun 1929. Of George's brothers', Charles Belbin and William John Belbin both lost their lives whereas Frederick Belbin survived the conflict.