Acting Regimental Sergeant Major George Bolland
6591 7th East Lancashire Regiment
Died of Wounds 7th June 1917, aged 35
Lived at 17 Ardwick Street
Buried in Westoutre Churchyard, Belgium
Burnley Express 15th December 1915 - 23rd June 1917 - 30th June 1917

Burnleys Great War Centenary

Sponsored by: Gayle Wray (Great Niece)

"George is my great uncle, he was my Nana's dearly loved brother and she was obviously distressed for a long time after his death. I can clearly remember her saying the bullet that killed him, went in his chest and up through his jaw. Although I can't remember her saying that he lived for 24 hours as the newspaper article states."

Died of wounds during the Battle of Messines on the 7th June 1917. He was critically wounded in the heat of the battle, a piece of shrapnel having pierced his lung. A chum Sjt Joe Sandham went to his assistance and nearly suffered the same fate, so severe was the shellfire. Before passing out George uttered his last words "Joe, do your best" Source: Burnley Express 30th June 1917

George Bolland was a time expired ex regular soldier and professional athlete living in Burnley, Lancashire at the outbreak of World War 1. He enlisted in August 1914, because of his previous experience, was appointed Serjeant in the 7th Bn. East Lancashire Regiment. He was a fit and strong character with great courage and leadership qualities, well respected by all of his chum's. This was recognised and he quickly rose to the highest non commissioned officer rank of Warrant Officer Class 1(Regimental Serjeant Major). After just under two years of fighting on the Western Front he was critically wounded in battle and died as a result of wounds.