Lt Col George Merritt OBE

Subject: Lt Col George Merritt OBE Tue Mar 15, 2016 1:42 pm

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Lt Col George Merritt (QM retd.) playing bridge at his home in Durban in his 97th year. (Courtesy AMS archives)

"Lt Col George Merritt OBE (1856 – 5 June 1953) enlisted in the Army Hospital Corps as a dispenser in 1874. He served in Bermuda from November 1874 to July 1878, the Zulu War of 1879, and the Egyptian War of 1882. Returning from Egypt in 1884 he was posted to the War Office, where he became superintending clerk of the Records Branch of the Corps. He remained at the War Office until commissioned in June 1889. He was posted to Malta in December 1891, serving there until 1897.

Merritt was them appointed officer in charge medical stores at Woolwich and was largely responsible in equipping troops for the South African War. He worked at the War Office serving under Colonel Gubbins, Colonel Johnson, Major Babtie, and Major Russell until December 1904, when he was posted to the Army stores at Capetown. He remained there until his retirement in June 1911.

At the outbreak of the First World War in 1914, he joined the South African Defence Force and served with the South African General Hospital in German West Africa. In July 1916, he accompanied the South African General Hospital to France. Returning to Richmond he was responsible under the High Commissioner for handing over the hospital to the Imperial authorities, the final evacuation of South Africa convalescents and the disposal of property. He was promoted to the rank of Lieut Colonel and awarded the OBE for his services.

His son Major B. T. Merritt served in the 1914–1918 and 1919 Afghan Wars in the 10th Gurkhas. His eldest grandson Pilot Officer Anthony Merritt was shot down and killed at El Alamein in the Second World War.

Lieut Colonel George Merritt took up residence in South Africa in 1937.

The following were buried at Rinella Military Cemetery in 1891:
◾12 February infant Frederick William Milner aged 1 year 4 months, died at Cottonera Hospital.
•19 November F R Gaiger aged 1 year 8 months, died at Cottonera."

Source:maltaramc.

Posts : 3049 Join date : 2009-03-03 Location : Devon

Hi Littlehand

Yes he is Listed on the Medal Roll
agree

Subject: Re: Lt Col George Merritt OBE Mon Mar 21, 2016 12:03 pm

Thanks Graves!!!!