All Saints: Lieutenant G. K. Cathles

[Left to Right] George, William, and Donald Cathles 1914

Kate Kilborn has identified her great-great uncle, Lieutenant G. K. Cathles (pictured), from the list of names on the All Saints' Roll of Honour. She kindly sent a copy of this photograph of George Cathles in uniform at the beginning of the war. He is standing to the left of his brothers, William and Donald.

Lieut. George Kinloch CATHLES 
Died 11^th August 1918

Date of Birth: December quarter 1894

Place of Birth: Newton Heath, Manchester

George Kinloch was the son of William Anderson Cathles and Margaret Cathles, Kate discovered this is where the Highgate Inn now stands. He had siblings William, Elizabeth A., Gretchen, Nora and Donald C.. In 1901 the census shows the family living at 20 Archway Road in Highgate with George aged 6 years, his father’s occupation Manager, Building Trade.

In 1911 the family was living at 20 Archway Road, Highgate and 16 year old George was working as a Merchant’s Clerk for an East India merchant (all goods)..

George’s father, William, was Scottish and on the Commonwealth War Graves Commission website, George is described as “Native of Dundee”, although he was born in Manchester.

The censuses reveal that George’s mother, Margaretha, was a German citizen, born in Worrstadt. It can only be imagined what the family felt when war was declared between Britain and Germany. During the war, prejudice and even violent discrimination was common against German families and businesses, particularly those with German-sounding names. In 1917, George’s sister, Gretchen officially changed her name to Margaret. At the time of his death, George’s family lived at 385 Archway Road, Highgate.

Service Details: Private 2316 – 14 London Regiment; Lieutenant - Royal Air Force, 24th Kite Balloon Section. Enlisted 15 September 1914 (14 Star, Victory & British medals) – Commissioned Royal Flying Corps (RFC) 8 September 1916

Place of Death: Egypt

Place of Burial: Port Said War Memorial Cemetery, grave reference B18