Virtual
War Memorial
Australia

George marrie Myrtle Maria Schultze on 17 June 1911. They had four children, Jean, Bill, Olive and Robert.

9th September 1891 marks the day Australian WW1 soldier George Giles was born. Born in Port Pirie SA, and growing up there until his service, Giles further lived his life in the metropolitan parts of Adelaide, specifically in Kensington. During his time in Port Pirie, Giles was married to his wife, Mrs. Myrtle Maria Giles on the 17th of June 1911. Giles and Myrtle Maria Giles gave birth to 4 children, by the names of Jean, Bill, Olive and Robert. From a work perspective, Giles had the occupation of being a labourer.

Giles officially enlisted for the Australian Imperial Force on the 3rd of January 1916, taken and subscribed at Adelaide, South Australia. On enlistment, Giles passed all the tests required to be able to serve the country. Descriptions of Giles included; 5 feet 5 inches, 24 years and 9 months old, 132 pounds, 34-35 inches on his chest measurement, grey eyes, dark brown hair, and the religious denomination of a Salvationist, (Salvation Army). On January 8th, the Examining Medical Officer considered Giles for active service as he met all requirements. 2 weeks later on the 22nd of January, Giles was appointed to the role of Base Light Horse by the camp commandant. His training for Base Light Horse was completed at the Mitcham camp in Adelaide, South Australia, where he gained the role in the 3rd Light Horse Regiment on the 1st of February 1916. There were no given experiences of Giles's time at the Mitcham Camp.

Shortly after, Giles and his regiment embarked on their journey to war on the 29th of April, 1916. The Light Horse unit sailed onboard an HMAT A59 Botanist. Over his 1 year and 324 days of service, Giles served in the Light Horse Regiment for 155 days, (1st of February – 5th of July 1916). Starting in the 3rd Light Horse Regiment, Giles eventually was taken on strength to the 1st Light Horse Regiment for the remainder of this time (on the 29th of May 1916). Across this period, were months of defending the Suez Canal. It was vital that the Suez Canal was well protected as it held the British’s communications with East Africa, India and Asia. On the 6th of July, Giles was taken on strength to a different unit until the 2nd of November 1916, the First Light Horse Double Squadron. This unit was a compound of dismounted units from Light Horse reinforcements for the defence of the Suez Canal. The Battle of Romani, fought on dates 3rd-5th of August was won by the Allies. 4 months later this squadron accompanied by the second and third were all taken on strength and formed into the 4th Australian Camel Regiment, part of the Imperial Camel Corps Brigade. This brigade was formed in 1916 from British and Commonwealth troops, attached tothe Anzac Mounted Division. Each regiment consisted of 770 men, and at full strength, the brigade contained almost 4000 camels. Camels were extremely important for the battles of Gaza and Beersheba in Palestine, as Palestine is a desert terrain and hot climate. Despite the battles to come, Giles transferred to the 18th Imperial Camel Corps on the 11th of February. His time in the 4th Camel Regiment was 3 months full of preparation for battles to come. 

Gaza, a coastal city in Palestine was the heart of the Turkish defensive position. Three battles across 8 months, finally finishing on the 7th of November 1917, was the amount it took to finally seize the Turkish defences. Getting through Gaza was extremely tough, therefore British and Anzac soldiers flanked the Turkish and took Beersheba before then taking Gaza.

After the intense 8 months of conflict, on the 25th of November 1917 Giles had been declared injured and transferred to the 45th and 24th stationary hospitals, and the 14th Australian hospital. He had inflammation of the connective tissue on his leg, accompanied by abrasions. These injuries meant Giles was to be transferred back to Australia shortly after, on the 23rd of February 1918. Giles was lucky to remain alive after the encounters he experienced, however, he forever will be remembered as one of those who displayed the ANZAC spirit. Giles lived on his life until the 12th of May 1960, when died at the Royal Adelaide Hospital and buried at Centennial Park Cemetery, South Australia.