5th (Royal Irish) Lancers

Born Q3/Q4 1869 to Frederick and Elizabeth Burridge who, by 1901, were living in Cambridge Road, Aldershot. Married for 16 years in April 1911 so married in 1895. In 1901, Elva and Kenneth are living with George's mother and father in Aldershot. Kenneth was born in Ladysmith, S.Africa so whilst George was serving in the Second Boer War, Elva and Kenneth returned to England to live with family.

Upon return from the Boer War the 5th Lancers were posted to Colchester, and in 1903 he would have been involved in the petitioning and consecration of Comrades Lodge in Colchester.

In 1906, when Eva Rosalie was born they were living in or near West Calvary Barracks, Aldershot.

Caught on the Irish Census on 2 April 1911 - living at Marlborough Barracks (House No. 4), Blackhorse Lane, Glasnevin, Dublin. Parish of Grange Gorman, George and Elva, now both aged 41, together with Kenneth (12), Eva Rosalie (4) and Muriel Elva. 1927-1958 living at 28 Little Heath, Woolwich SE7.

Family

• Elva Kate 1870-1959 born in Bromley Essex. Aged 31 in 1901 (1870) died 1959 - Probate Record
• Kenneth, 1899 born in Ladysmith, Natal, South Africa about 1899, South Africa, Grandson to Frederick and Elizabeth Burridge of Cambridge Road, Aldershot.
• Eva Rosalie 1906 - born 23rd may 1906, Baptised in Aldershot 11th June 1906.
• Muriel Elva 1908-1990 at York. Married Reginald Hector Gollan in Kent Sept 1929

Military

Regimental No. 3400. 5th Lancers: Earliest he could have joined was about 1883.

• 1894 Soldier, Muttra (Ligonier Lodge)
• 1899-1902 2nd Boer War (as a Staff Sergeant Major)
  • Battle of Elandslaagte 21st October 1899
  • Action at Rietfontien, 24th October 1899
  • Battle of Lombards Kop 30th October 1899
  • Colesburg November 1899
  • Defence of Ladysmith (Waggon Hill) 6th January 1900
  • Diamond Hill, 11-12th June 1900
• 1902 Staff Sergeant Major (SSM) (Medal Roll)
• 1903 Quartermaster Sergeant, 5th Lancers
• 1903 Quartermaster Sergeant (Medal Roll @ Colchester)
• 1906 Regimental Quartermaster Sergeant (RQMS) - Eva Rosalie Baptism Cert.
• 1910 Hon Lieutenant & Quartermaster (Agricola Lodge)
• 1911 Lieutenant Census 1911 (Ireland)
• Aug 1914 Served with B.E.F, 5th (Royal Irish) Lancers, 2nd Cavalry Division
• 1914 Hon Lieutenant & Quartermaster 5th Lancers
• 1915 Quartermaster & Hon. Captain 5th Lancers (22 June 1915 per London Gazette)
• By 1920 Major and Quartermaster, 5th Lancers

Awards

Having served in the Second Boer War he would have been entitled to the Queen’s South Africa Medal. He received that and the following 4 clasps granted on 1st April 1901: Orange Free State, Transvaal, Elandslaagte & Defence of Ladysmith and later the Cape Colony clasp. He was further awarded the Kings South Africa Medal with the 1901 and 1902 South Africa Clasps

A medal index entry for Hon Lt. and Quartermaster, promoted to Captain and Quartermaster and further Major and Quartermaster. It shows service on the British Expeditionary Force 1914 and entitled to the 1914 Star, the British War Medal and the Victory Medal (Pip, Squeak and Wilfred)

Masonic

• Scottish Constitution Pre-1894
  • Initiated Scottish Constitution
  • Passed Scottish Constitution
  • Raised Scottish Constitution
• L2436 Ligonier Lodge, Muttra Joined 12th December 1894
• UGLE Grand Lodge Certificate 10th January 1895
• L2976 Comrades lodge Founder 3rd June 1903 – 20th January 1960
• L1991 Agricola Lodge, York 24th January 1910 - 31st March 1919 (Resigned)

One of the 25 petitioners not named individually on the Warrant of Constitution. By the time he had joined Comrades Lodge he had at least 17 years Masonic experience. In joining Comrades, he went on to become a 50 Year Mason (56 ½ years in Comrades) and therefore an incredible 73+ years in Freemasonry overall.

Died 20th January 1960. Possibly in Norfolk

Possible death - Probate Record: BURRIDGE George Joseph of 3 The Cottages The Bell Salhouse Norfolk died 20 January 1960 Probate Norwich 5 April to George Arthur Farman Master Thatcher. Effects £3915 17s 1d.