George William Sawford was born on 15th May 1911 at Preston Brook, the son of Levi James Sawford who was born at Riseley in Bedfordshire and his wife Elizabeth Sarah (nee Stanton) who was also from Riseley. The father was employed as a gamekeeper to Sir Gilbert Greenall on the Walton Estate.
The 1921 Census recorded the Sawford family as living at Keeper’s Cottage in Preston on the Hill. George William had one older brother called Ernest James and a younger brother called Ronald Leslie. He also had two younger sisters called Margaret Elizabeth and Mabel Rosaline.
In 1939, according to the Register, George William was the only child remaining at home with his parents at Keeper’s Cottage. His father was still a gamekeeper and his mother looked after the home. George William was employed as a goods porter with a canal company.
His father and mother passed away in 1958 and 1965 respectively.
George William Sawford passed away on 30th August 1981 still residing at Keeper’s Cottage. He was 70 years old.
It is not known in which branch of H.M. Forces he served, but he appeared in an article in the Warrington Guardian in June 1946 about Victory Celebrations in Preston Brook.
If anyone has any knowledge of his WW2 service, please contact Daresbury District Heritage Group.
