George Brown Wales was born on 16th November 1886 at Gilcomaston Terrace, Aberdeen. His father was David, a slater and his mother was Margaret, m/s Lees. He was one of seven children.

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In the 1911 census, George was living in the Liberton area of Edinburgh and was working as an assistant forester. He married Jeannie Weir from Burntisland on 12th January 1913 in Edinburgh. They had at least two children, George born in Fife in 1913 and Jeannie born in Inverkip in 1915.

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He enlisted for service in Greenock and served with the 6th Battalion Seaforth Highlanders, formerly the Argyll and Sutherland Highlanders. At the time of his death, his address was Inverkip Cottage which was where Inverhouse Gardens now is.

His brother William was killed in action in 1917 serving with the Royal Garrison Artillery and his brother Alexander was also killed in action.

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George is remembered on the war memorials at Burntisland and Liberton, as well as the Inverkip war memorial.