George Nelson Riley 1896-1996

George Nelson Riley

In 1901 George Nelson Riley, aged 5, was living with his parents at 10 High Street St. Martin’s where his father had a butchery business. His mother died shortly afterwards and he moved with his younger brother Herbert, aged 4, to live with his grandparents at 7 St Peter’s Hill where they were still living in 1911.

Both he and his brother Herbert won scholarships to Stamford School. After leaving school he worked as a draughtsman at Cutting Brothers, who were electrical contractors.

In 1915, aged 19 years, he joined the Infantry serving in France in a non-fighting role in the Somme area. This involved burying casualties from the front line, a distressing job.

After the war he worked at Blackstones, where he stayed until 1945. He joined the Home Guard serving in the Intelligence Section and the Fire Service in World War 2. He received medals for his service in both World Wars.

In Stamford he played an important part in civic life being a Town Councillor for 27 years, an Alderman and then Mayor in 1965. He married Alice Lilian Chapman in 1925 and died shortly before his 100th birthday.

Herbert John Riley 1897-1973

Herbert enlisted in the Machine Gun Corps in 1916 and also served in France.