George Edward Bayliss died peacefully at the Chelsea and Westminster Hospital on Tuesday 4th September 2018. Born in Bourne End, Hemel Hemstead, the eldest son of six boys to Ellen and George, he grew up living mainly on the farm where his father was employed.

Although slightly under age he enlisted into the Bedfordshire & Hertfordshire Regiment as a Territorial Soldier just before the War in November 1938. At the outbreak of the War he was embodied and embarked for North Africa in 1943. His Regiment fought their way up through Italy including the Battle of Monte Casino. He was wounded north of Rimini when his jeep was blown-up by a land mine. He was discharged after 7 years’ service in April 1946.

George met Dorothy his wife and they married in Bovingdon during the war. John and Brian were born to them. George loved being in the Army, it was somehow in his blood and after his discharge he could not settle into work, finding it impossible working indoors. He became part-time postman and thereafter self-employed, mainly as a window cleaner and gardener. His knowledge of flowers and growing vegetables increased. He found he had a talent for making wreaths and bouquets and made his granddaughter Lindsay’s wedding bouquet and floral arrangements much to his pride.

George was a loving husband and good father. Always encouraging his children to do their best.

Later in life he and Dorothy moved to Beccles and quickly joined in the local life. He found things to do, joining the Flower club and becoming a steward in the local Methodist church. He organised concerts, and led Songs of Praise services, finding talents in other people that they often didn’t realise they had. He invited and took several neighbours to church too, his enthusiasm rubbing off on those around him. His beloved Dorothy died in 2002, George at a loss, and one day announced that he had seen an article about the Royal Hospital Chelsea, and was going to apply. He did so, and these final years of his life have been exceptionally happy for him. He found his Army roots again and felt fulfilled in life. Everyone at Chelsea seemed to know George. He was a chapel guide, and participated in many activities. He achieved a reputation as a talented flower arranger. George spent the final years of his life the hospital infirmary.

These are George’s own words about his military career:

I had worked in Brocks Fireworks factory so when I joined up it was assumed I would know all about bombs and explosives safety. I was sent to Kempston and then to Cromer to help testing Gas masks for the police and lifeboat men. I had to go with a sergeant to man the gun. We had a box up on the cliff, but we didn’t have any ammunition to fit it! I was then sent to Egypt and then to Italy. From the warm desert sand to the cold snow and mud up the winter mountain. We were told we were going to Casino to cross the river in little boats. We arrived at our crossing to make a bridge but on 10th May, 500 guns opened up. The Germans started to shell us and many of our boats and men were lost. After 48 hours, the Royal Engineers got tanks over and made it a little easier for us. On the 6th day we found the Germans had moved out overnight. It was then we heard bagpipes which told us the Black Watch were on their way. There were only 4 officers and 200 others left. We paid a heavy price for our victory. I always say there but for the grace of God go I.

His mantra was “Whatever you find to do, do it with all your might.” George certainly did that.

A poem George carried with him…

Do not let the unknown future fill you with dismay
It is in the hands of God, so go upon your way.
Trust in Him and have no fear, you do not walk alone,
He leads the faithful in the dark and careth for his own.
Do not count the years, but count the blessings they bestowed.
And the many friends that you have made along the road.
Do not count the days, let them come and go
Time is not your enemy unless you make it so.
There’s time for all you have to do
And time to dream a little too.
But none to spare for sighs and tears
Wishing back the bygone years.