LEAVER George Ernest

The Birmingham Daily Mail, Friday 13th November 1914:
REDDITCH MAN ON THE MONMOUTH
The son of Mrs Lever, of 1, back 203, Beoley Road, Redditch, was on HMS Monmouth. He was in the navy six years, and was to have been married the week he was called away on active service.

Birmingham Daily Mail courtesy of British Library image:  http://www.britishnewspaperarchives.co.uk

Private George Ernest Leaver, Official Number Port Division Ply/14566 (Dev), Royal Marine Light Infantry, HMS Monmouth, born in Handsworth, Staffordshire, killed or died as a direct result of enemy action, 1st November 1914, Body not recovered for burial. Remembered at Plymouth Naval Memorial, Plymouth, Devon. Mother Kate Leaver of 4, Back of 203 Beoley Road, Redditch. Killed in action at the Battle of Coronel. He enlisted 12th June 1908.

On the 1911 census Private George Ernest Leaver, aged 21 was serving on HMS Monmouth, 1st Class Cruiser, Captain Laurence E. Power, M.V.O., China Squadron. Position at midnight on Sunday April 2nd 1911, Colombo. On the 1901 census George Leaver aged 10, born in Handsworth, lived with his parents Harry and Kate, both born in Redditch, and siblings at 163 St Georges Road, Redditch.

Researched by Jillian Coombes.

The following information has been researched and transcribed by Sandra Taylor:
HMS Monmouth was an Armoured Cruiser. At the outbreak of WW1 she was placed in the West Indies Squadron under Sir Christopher Craddock. On 1st November 1914, off the coast of Chile, the British ships encountered a number of German ships under the command of Vice-Admiral Graf Maximilian Von Spee. With weak armament and an inexperienced crew, the ensuing Battle of Coronel resulted in the loss of HMS Monmouth. HMS Good Hope was also sunk during the battle. There were no survivors from either ship.

George Leaver has no known grave, the photograph available shows his name on Plymouth Naval Memorial.