George Richard Ace – North Staffordshire Regiment, 2nd Battalion

Private George Richard Ace – North Staffordshire Regiment, 2^nd Battalion

Birth and Family Background

George Richard Ace was born in 1912 at Mumbles, the son of George Richard Ace and Florence Roe, who were married in 1912.

1921 Census

The 1921 Census records the family living at Alma House, Dunns, Mumbles. George Ace (33) was employed as a butcher’s assistant, working for H. Woodly & Co., 33 Adam Street, Cardiff, while his wife Florence (30) managed the household.

Their children were George (8) and Winnie (6), both attending school, and Lemuel (2).

Marriage

In 1935, George Richard Ace married Charlotte Bennett at Swansea.

1939 Register 

The 1939 Register records George and Charlotte living at 42 Park Street, Mumbles. George was employed as a butcher’s shop assistant, while Charlotte undertook unpaid domestic duties.

Military Service

George Richard Ace enlisted in the British Army and served as a Private with the North Staffordshire Regiment, 2^nd Battalion.

During the Second World War, the battalion saw active service in the Italian Campaign, operating as part of the Allied advance against strongly defended German positions.

By February 1944, the 2nd Battalion was engaged in operations connected with the Battle of Monte Cassino, as Allied forces attempted to break through the German Gustav Line, which blocked the route to Rome.

On and around 8^th February 1944, the battalion was operating in extremely difficult conditions, including severe winter weather, mountainous terrain, and intense enemy fire. Infantry units were required to hold forward positions, conduct patrols, and take part in limited attacks under sustained artillery, mortar, and machine-gun fire. Casualties were frequent, even outside major assaults.

Death and Commemoration

Private George Richard Ace was killed in action on 8^th February 1944 while serving in Italy during this phase of the fighting.

Herald of Wales

In March 1944, the Herald of Wales first reported that George Richard Ace had been reported as “Missing”, reflecting the confusion and uncertainty that often followed heavy fighting in the Cassino area.

South Wales Daily Post 

In January 1945, the South Wales Daily Post reported that, after eleven months officially listed as missing, his family in Mumbles had been formally informed of his death.

George Richard Ace
Cassino Memorial, Italy
credit - findagrave

George Richard Ace
Cassino Memorial, Italy
credit - findagrave

He has no known grave, a circumstance common among those killed during the Cassino battles due to the intensity of bombardment and repeated changes in the front line. His name is commemorated on the Cassino Memorial, which honours Commonwealth servicemen who died during the Italian Campaign and whose burial places are unknown.