George W (Bill) Handy

Born in 1882, Bill became a blacksmith, living in Stainton. In 1912 he married Emily Saxton, a widow who was the licensee of the Scarbrough Arms in Tickhill. Emily's photograph featured on the back page of Newsletter No.37. Bill and Emily's first child, Olive, was born in 1913. Bill subsequently became the Scarbrough Arms' licensee.

Bill did not volunteer for military service at the start of WW1, possibly because he was responsible for a young family and had a business to run. He was one of over 70 local men who applied to the Local Tribunal forexemption from military service. Most of the applicants were given temporary or conditional exemption. However, Bill's application was rejected on 26 March 1918 and so he enlisted, joining the Army Service Corps (from 1918 known as the Royal Army Service Corps in recognition of its work during WW1; it later became the Royal Logistics Corps). The ASC was responsible for supplying provisions to the troops and at its peak had 315,334 men and 10,547 officers.

Bill had the rank of Private and the number M/399809. The 'M' indicated that he was attached to the Mechanical Transport Division, as opposed to the Horse Transport Division. His Medal Index Card shows that he received the Victory Medal, awarded to troops for their service.