Boer War Queen's South Africa Medal - Private George Simpson, 4th Volunteer Battalion, Black Watch (Royal Highlanders)
Later South African Constabulary and then Royal Naval Reserve, Killed in Action May 1915 on board H.M.S. Goliath
Queen's South Africa Medal (clasps Cape Colony, Wittebergen, South Africa 1901) - 7580 PTE G. SIMPSON, VOL: COY RL. HIGHLDRS:
a small scratch on the rim between surname and regiment, almost looks like the number seven
George Simpson
Born Ellon, Aberdeenshire, 21st June 1879
Joined the 4th Volunteer Battalion, Black Watch (Royal Highlanders) in Perth 16th Jan 1900
Served in South Africa from 16th Feb 1900, only a month after joining
Discharged to serve in the South African Constabulary 31st October 1901
1902 George is now back in Aberdeen and arrested and imprisoned in Nigg, Kincardineshire
The Aberdeen Press and Journal - Tuesday 08 April 1902, reports below:"
George Simpson admitted having, on 26th March, in a house in Gallowgate occupied by Mary Kelvin, pretended to her that he had been serving with the Gordon Highlanders in South Africa, and had just arrived in Aberdeen, and that he had to get £36 of deferred pay. He thus induced Mary Kelvin to give him board and lodgings. Accused, who had been previously convicted, was sent to prison for 30 days."
After serving time in prison, George joins the Royal Naval Reserve on the 9th May 1904
He serves on many ships - see images for service records
Then during World War One he is called up and is posted to HMS Goliath
On the 13th May 1915, HMS Goliath is sunk after being hit by a torpedo, off the coast of Gallipoli
Stoker George Simpson was on board Goliath when she exploded and went down. He is remembered on the Portsmouth Naval Memorial
The Aberdeen Press and Journal - Friday 28 May 1915, reports below:
ABERDEEN MAN LOST ON H.M.S. GOLIATH
Another victim of the sinking of H.M.S. Goliath at the Dardanelles on May 13 was Mr. George Simpson, stoker. He was 36 years of age, and a native of Ellon. He went through the South African War as a private in the 2nd Battalion of the Black Watch. At the outbreak of the present war he was a second engineer in the employment of the Strath Fishing Co., and was called up as a naval reservist. Mr. Simpson resided at 95 Causewayend, Aberdeen, and leaves a widow and five children.
Photograph - British Newspaper Archive
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