🌺 “Colour Sergeant Who Gave 21 Years’ Service… But Would Not Survive the First World War” The Story of Colour Sergeant George Harry Brazier, King’s Own Royal Lancaster Regiment 🌺 George Harry Brazier was born around 1874 in Atcham, Shropshire, the son of Henry Brazier and Priscilla Brazier. He grew up in a working-class family — eventually marrying Annie Foster and serving his country for over two decades. George was a professional soldier. He served 21 years with the King’s Own Royal Lancaster Regiment, much of it overseas — including time in India, China, and Burma. This was the British Army at its imperial height. Long postings, harsh climates, and demanding service far from home. By the time he left the army in 1911, George was an experienced and seasoned man — a Colour Sergeant, a senior non-commissioned rank trusted with discipline, training, and leadership. But when war came in 1914, like so many veterans, he returned. He rejoined the army in September 1914, at the age of 42 — not as a front-line soldier, but as an instructor, helping to train the new armies being raised under Lord Kitchener. Men like George were vital. They turned civilians into soldiers. They passed on hard-earned experience to a generation about to face the horrors of the Western Front. At first, he was stationed at Lancaster. Then he was sent to Tidworth — one of the main training camps. But something wasn’t right. Records show he was sent back from Tidworth — reportedly due to an inability to march. For a lifelong soldier, a man who had spent decades in uniform, this must have been a crushing blow. Witnesses later said he became distressed. He had begun drinking heavily. He appeared “shaky,” anxious, and troubled in the days leading up to his death. On the night of 15 December 1914, at the barracks in Lancaster, everything came to a tragic end. George stabbed himself in the throat with a pocket knife. He was found shortly after midnight. Despite efforts to save him, he died within minutes. At the inquest, it was revealed: He had been drinking heavily in the days before He had been deeply upset about being unable to perform his duties He had shown signs of distress and agitation One witness recalled that after being found, George said: “Why did you not let me cut my head off?” The verdict was clear. He had taken his own life. A man who had survived decades of military service across the world… A man who had returned to serve again when his country needed him… Lost — not on the battlefield, but to a battle within. George Harry Brazier was buried at Lancaster Cemetery, Lancashire. He did not fall on the battlefield. But his death is no less a part of the story of the war. Because not all casualties wore their wounds on the outside. 🌺 Lest We Forget — Colour Sergeant George Harry Brazier King’s Own Royal Lancaster Regiment Died 15 December 1914 Aged 42 🌺 #WW1 #KingsOwnRoyalLancasterRegiment #Lancaster #Shropshire #BritishArmy - @historyofthosebefore