George CALLIE (1883-1963)

George Callie (1883-1963) was a colleague of George Sladden in the 15th (County of London) Battalion, The London Regiment (Prince of Wales’ Own, Civil Service Rifles).

George Callie was born in Liverpool in 1883, the son of Joseph David Callie, an insurance agent, and his wife, Sarah.  After leaving school, George became an insurance clerk; he was living at home in Liverpool at the time of the 1901 census.  In 1913 he was renting a room at 60 Crawford Street, Camberwell, London.  He was a member of the territorial force of the London Regiment, Civil Service Rifles.

Shortly after the start of the Great War, the Civil Service Rifles were sent to St Albans.  The infantry Transport Section consisted of 47 men, 15 waggons and 50-60 horses, with one officer, one sergeant and six NCOs in charge.  Lance Corporal George Callie, along with George Sladden, was one of the NCOs and was the most senior.  George Sladden described George Callie as “a typical soldier, who missed his vocation entirely when he became a clerk.”

In September 1914, George Callie volunteered for overseas service.  At the start of the war, members of territorial forces had the right to opt out of overseas service (though that was later withdrawn in 1916).  Along with George Sladden, Lance Corporal Callie went to France in March 1915.  A letter of 26th May 1915 reveals that George Callie had been wounded, though not badly; a shell burst on a stable killing two horses and wounding him.

George Callie later joined the East Surrey Regiment attached Durham Light Infantry, attaining the rank of Lieutenant.

After the war, George lived at 46 Maygrove Road, Brondesbury, London NW6.

George died on 1st June 1963 at Frenchay Hospital, Bristol.  He had been living at Deenside, New Bristol Road, St Georges, Weston-super-Mare.