Great War Dundee
This is Dundee's story of those that served in the First World War, and of the people left at home
We need you to tell us more about the life and times of George Spence Dryden
George Spence Dryden
Military Information
- Date of enlistment: 21.07.1916
- Place of enlistment: Dubbo, NSW, Australia
- Service no: 5340
- Rank: Sergeant
- Service Occupation:
- Awards: Military Medal
- Regiment/Service: Australian Infantry
- Unit/Ship: 17th Battalion
- Place of Death: France
- Age at Death:
- Date of Death: 10.08.1918
- Burial Country: France
- Cemetery: Vignacourt British Cemetery
- Grave/Mem Ref no: VI.A.14.
Personal Information
- Date of Birth:
- Place of Birth: Dundee
- Address:
- Occupation: Farm Labourer
- Mother:
Elizabeth Spence Dryden, 6 Nelson Tce, Bonnybank Rd, Dundee
- Father:
William Ellis
- Siblings:
- Spouse:
(Fiancee) Miss Madge Searle
- Children:
More about George Spence Dryden
George was 27yrs 6mths old when he enlisted on 21/3/1916 at Dubbo, NSW. On attestation papers, mother is described as a fruiterer, address 39 Victoria Road, Dundee. His MM was gazetted in Second Supplement to The London Gazette of 11 December 1917, page 13025, position 18. Army records available at NAA.
George was engaged to marry Miss Madge Searle, “Boorara”, Bell St, S. Randwick, NSW, Australia. For more information on George, visit George’s Service Record.
Sgt Dryden was a rancher before the war, and made a splendid soldier, as the following letter sent by his commanding officer to his mother shows:” I have to congratulate you on the good work done by your son, Sgt Dryden, of this Battalion, during the recent fighting near Ypres. In recognition of his services I have had him promoted to the rank of sergeant, and I am also happy to say that the Commander-in-Chief has seen fit to decorate him with the Military Medal for gallantry in theSgt Dryden was a rancher before the war, and made a splendid soldier.
George Spence Dryden M.M. 5340 Australian Infantry
Sergeant George S. Dryden, Australians, son of Mrs Dryden, fruiterer, Victoria Road, and nephew of ex-Bailie Spence, died of wounds. Deceased, who emigrated to Australia about nine years ago, held the Military Medal for distinguished service. His brother, Lieut. W. Dryden, R.F.A., is serving in France.
Dundee People’s Journal 17th August 1918
Additional information supplied by Gary Thomson, additional information kindly supplied by Michael Caldwell
Can you tell us more about George Spence Dryden'? Some additional facts, a small story handed down through the family or perhaps a picture or an heirloom you can share online. Contact our curator...
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