George William Holmes (William Holmes on Memorial Tablet) was born in Chellaston in 1895 and baptised in St Peter’s Church, Chellaston on 21st July 1895, the son of Francis William Holmes and Hannah Holmes. In 1901 he lived with his family next door to Isaac Allen, who built the then village of Allenton and whom the place is named after.

In 1911 they lived at 1 Ford’s Cottages, Chellaston, Church Street, Chellaston. Church Street is now known as High Street.

George William Holmes entered into the Theatre of War in France on 4th August 1915. He was Private G/5369 in the Royal West Surrey Regiment and he died 25th September 1915, the first day of the Battle of Loos, aged only 20 years.

He is commemorated on the Loos Memorial, France.