Gunner George Eric Farnsworth
207895(or 107958) Royal Garrison Artillery
George, born 1899 in Somercotes, was the son of James Fletcher Farnsworth, an engine wright, born in Riddings in 1861 and his wife Leonora Topham Farnsworth (nee Wild). James obviously learnt his trade from his father, John Farnsworth a colliery engine wright. In August 1889, the Nottinghamshire Guardian reported as follows:- ‘A local mining patent - Messrs Laverick and Farnsworth of Messrs. James Oakes & Company’s Collieries have recently patented an invention which will remove a fruitful source of delay and expense in colliery work. Those connected with mining work will understand the magnitude of the hindrance to the output of coal by the constant shaking off of screw nuts from tram, corve or carriage pedestals. At the present time in every colliery, this drawback is more or less serious. Messrs Laverick and Farnsworth have invented a simple and efficacious locking bar, which is practically unbreakable and easily removable, and which admirably meets the difficulty that it is intended to remove.’ Given George’s father’s occupation, he could well be the Farnsworth mentioned.
In 1911, George was aged 12, living with his parents at Pye Hill Villas, also known as ‘Fanfields’, a few houses on the edge of Pye Hill Colliery reserved for colliery managers and staff. On the 1918/1919 Absent Voters Roll, George is absent from Pye Hill Villas. The roll gives his service number and regiment. His Medal Rolls Index Card, however, shows a different service number of 107958 and indicates he was a recipient of the British War and Victory Medals.
In 1924 George married Emily Garman in the Belper registration district.
He died in 1974 in the Derby district.