George Sidney Fillingham (1896-1962)
Durham Light Infantry captain
George Sidney Fillingham served with the Royal Flying Corps, as a second lieutenant, before he transferred to the Durham Light Infanty (DLI). According the the Army Lists, he was serving with 12th DLI in July 1916 and 11th DLI in November of that year.
He was later posted to 2nd DLI and won the Military Cross at Cambrai in November 1917. In relation to this, the London Gazette published the following on 2 July 1918:
“Lt. (A./Capt.) George Sidney Fillingham, Durh. L.I. For conspicuous gallantry and devotion to duty. During the advance his company came under point-blank fire from a hostile field battery, which was holding up the attack on the flank. Having located and reported the exact position, he was sent forward with two parties to attack the battery. They charged the guns and captured the battery, all the gunners being either killed or taken prisoners. The success of the enterprise was due to his gallant reconnaissance and dashing leadership.”
Promoted to captain with DLI, Fillingham was wounded at Monchies at the start of the German Offensive, 21 March 1918.
George’s military career continued after the First World War
See also North East War Memorial Project page from their 70th Brigade site:
http://70brigade.newmp.org.uk/wiki/Fillingham_George_Sidney_Captain_1057
Birth date: 26-Nov-1896
Death date: 12-Aug-1962
Armed force/civilian: Army
Military service:
Second Lieutenant/ Captain
Royal Flying Corps; 11th, 12th, 2nd Battalions, Durham Light Infantry
Medal(s): British War Medal
Victory Medal
1915 Star
Military Cross
Order of Saint Anne, Russia
Gender: Male
Contributed by John Sheen | Durham at War Volunteer
