George Dean's Story.
Birkenhead News 20 September 1919BATHING TRAGEDY
Birkenhead Soldier Drowned.
A regrettable fatality from drowning occurred last week whilst a party of soldiers were bathing in Witley Park, the Surrey residence of Lord Pirrie. The victim was the 21 year old son of Mr. And Mrs. Billing of 46, Halcyon Road, Birkenhead. A week last Wednesday he, with several other comrades from the neighbouring camp, went to bathe in a large lake, in Witley Park. Prior to entering the water Pte. W. T. Blundell, knowing the deceased was not very strong, told him to call out if he found he was likely to get into difficulties. Pte. Billing then swam with Pte. Tonge to an island in the centre of the lake. After resting for five or ten minutes his companion returned to the bank and waited for him to follow. Deceased dived in, but half way across suddenly stopped and disappeared under the surface. He sank without any warning. Ptes. Blundell and Tonge dived into the water several times in the hope of rescuing him, and later a number of Canadian soldiers went toiling their assistance but to no avail. The body was not recovered until the ensuing Friday.
At the inquest a verdict of “Accidentally drowned” was returned, the Coroner (Mr. Gilbert White) commending Ptes. Blundell and Tonge.
Pte. George Dean Billing was an old Higher Elementary School boy, and took a keen interest in football, particularly the Rugby game. He joined the 10th Liverpool Scottish, but was unfitted for a military life, and during the greater portion of his Army career was confined to hospital. He never left the country.
The funeral took place quietly at Flaybrick Hill Cemetery on Tuesday last, Mr. McKelvey officiating. Colonel Blair represented the deceased’s regiment.
George's grave in Flaybrick Cemetery, Birkenhead.
George Billing’s photograph, grave photograph and newspaper article by Chris Booth