Original Item: Only One Available. This plaque serves as a powerful and poignant reminder of the immense sacrifices made by young soldiers during wartime. It is dedicated to Lance Corporal George Charles Foot, who was Killed In Action at the tender age of 20 on November 20th, 1917.

In the wake of Foot's tragic passing, 2nd Lieutenant Heap, feeling the profound loss deeply, took it upon himself to write a heartfelt note to Foot's father. In it, he expressed his deep sorrow and affection for Foot's cheerful personality and kind nature, saying, "We all feel his loss very deeply, for his cheery spirits and unfailing good nature had endeared him to all." Heap went on to express his conviction that Foot's soul would continue on, saying, "It is impossible that a soul like George's should not go on living. I feel convinced I shall meet him again."

The words on this plaque, as simple as they are, serve as a fitting tribute to the life and legacy of Lance Corporal George Charles Foot, and stand as a testament to the bravery and sacrifice of all those who have given their lives in the service of their country.

The plaque is approximately 13 inches in length and 9.5 inches in width. Upon a closer look, you will notice a few minor cracks and scratches; however, overall, the plaque is in wonderful condition. The painted text on the plaque is well-preserved and can be easily read. Although, with the passage of time, the text has slightly faded, but it still retains legible. Despite a few minor imperfections, this plaque is a remarkable piece that will be a valuable addition to any collection.

Comes more than ready for further research and display.

Lance Corporal George Charles Foot
Lance Corporal George Charles Foot, 40342, DCM, of ‘D’ Battalion, Tank Corps, was only three months past his 20th birthday when he was killed on November 20th, 1917.

Within days of his death, 2/Lt Heap sent a hand-written note to his father. Heap said: “We all feel his loss very deeply, for his cheery spirits and unfailing good nature had endeared him to all…It is impossible that a soul like George’s should not go on living. I feel convinced I shall meet him again.”

George had already been awarded a Distinguished Conduct Medal for his part in the battle of the Somme a year earlier, when tanks were deployed by the British for the first time.

His DCM Citation in ‘The London Gazette’ number 29824 of Tuesday 14 November 1916 states ‘40342 Gnr. G.C.Foot, Mach. Gun Corps, ‘For conspicuous gallantry in action. He displayed great courage and determination fighting with his Tank. Later, he remained for thirty hours with a wounded officer under heavy fire.”

George was born on September 3rd, 1897, at 153 Arlington Road, Regents Park, St.Pancras, in north London. His father, Charles Ernest Foot was born in St Pancras and married a girl from nearby Hoxton, Caroline Foot (formerly Todd). The wedding was in the second quarter of 1897.

At this stage, George’s father was a commercial traveller, selling musical instruments, and the family moved home frequently in north London. In 1901, when George was three, the family lived at 61 Etherley Road in Tottenham; his brother Charles was born in Edmonton, and a third brother Ronald in Islington.

At some stage, probably just before the outbreak of war, the family bought or rented a house called ‘The Roses’ at Great Missenden in Buckinghamshire, but also had a house in Anson Road in north London.

Documents in the City of Westminster archive indicate that by now, George’s father Charles was commercial manager for Hawkes & Co, the musical instrument makers and music publishers, which later became part of Boosey & Hawkes.

George must have travelled from the family home in Great Missenden to enlist at Aylesbury; he served in the Welsh Regiment before transferring to the new Tank Corps.

He now lies in grave III.B.5, at Flesquieres Hill British Cemetery. The CWGC register records Anson Road as his parents’ home, but his name appears on a plaque in Great Missenden High Street, and on a war memorial beside the church of St Peter & St Paul.

George’s father Charles died in 1930. His brother Charles died at the age of three, in 1902. His youngest brother Ronald lived until 1979, and died at Whittington Hospital in Islington; Ronald was described as a musical instrument manufacturer. Ronald’s son – George’s nephew – still lives in north London.