George Bruce
George was one of eight children born to Richard Bruce and Mary Ann McKibben. He enlisted as a Boy (2nd class) in the Royal Navy at the age of 18 in 1901.
He finished his time in September 1913 as an Able Seaman and joined the Reserves. As a reservist, he was called up immediately when war broke out 10 months later.
George served on the monitor HMS Severn and was present at the Battle of the Yser in 1914, off the coast of Belgium, where the ship bombarded German troops as well as artillery positions.
In October 1914, George survived an attack by the submarine U-8 when a torpedo passed under the ship. In July 1915, the monitor was towed to German East Africa where she assisted in the destruction of the German light cruiser Königsberg.
George continued to serve on the East Africa station until the end of 1917.
He then spent some time on a shore establishment and a final few months at sea aboard HMS Vigorous before being demobilised in March 1919.
He wasted no time in marrying Margaret Jane Hillis in Castleton Church just a few weeks later, in June 1919.
The couple had 3 sons, George (born 1923), Robert and James. His best friend Robert Bremner had married Margaret's sister Elizabeth Hillis in 1918.
George Bruce died at the age of 83.
George was identified by his eldest son George who recognised him straight away on seeing his photo. Thank you to Tom Gallagher, nephew of his brother James for helping with the identification.