Virtual
War Memorial
Australia

Son of Hugh SEMPLE and Jane Ann nee COCKING

George Semple was born at Correton Park Estate near Mt Crawford South Australia on 2 January 1876. He was the fourth of seven children of Hugh Semple born Dunlop Ayrshire Scotland in 1832 and Jane Ann Semple formerly Cocking born Bowden South Australia in 1842.

George moved to Highland Valley Station near Woodchester via Strathalbyn South Australia with his family in 1884 where his father was a stock overseer. He completed his schooling at Woodchester and worked on Highland Valley Station and as a miner at the nearby Wheal Ellen silver, lead, gold and copper mine. 

On 29 January 1901 George enlisted in the Fifth South Australian Imperial Bushman Contingent and on 9 February 1901 as a Corporal 333 of Three Troop D Squadron left Port Adelaide on the transport Ormazan, disembarking Port Elizabeth South Africa on 23 March 1901.

Following active service in Transvaal, Orange Free State and Cape Colony the Fifth Contingent left Durban for home on 5 April 1902 and disembarked Port Adelaide on 27 April 1902. George was awarded the Queens Medal with five clasps. On 1 May 1902 George and other returned men of the district were given a public reception at the Strathalbyn Institute Hall.

In August 1905 George, then a motorman purchased 11 acres of land on Adelaide Road Strathalbyn where he built a house and developed an orchard.

George Married Louisa Mary James born 1882. They had three children.  Zena May born 10 May 1914, Hugh Maxwell born 26 February 1917 and Douglas George born 6 November 1923. George and Louisa informally adopted Vernon William Semple born Strathalbyn 20 July 1926, the youngest of seven children of William Henry Horace Semple, George's brother and Nellie Semple, Louisa's sister when Nellie passed away on 15 December 1926. Max ( Hugh Maxwell ) served in the army during WW2 while Douglas and Vern served in the RAAF. Douglas lost his life serving with 22 Squadron 12 September 1943.

About 1930 George and Louisa purchased a 40 acre orchard on the north side of Strathalbyn named 'Willow Brook" where he produced dried apricots, prunes, currents, almonds and apples. 

George had a lifelong interest as a player and supporter of various sports including cycling, cricket, football, bowls and racing.  He was a life member of the Strathalbyn Racing Club, a life member and delegate of the Strathalbyn Football Club and after his playing career, a district cricket umpire. He also involved himself in golf and hockey played by his children, nephews and neices. 

Louisa passed away 1 December 1933 aged 51 years. George continued on the orchard with Zena, Max Doug and Vern. George remained on the orchard until 1950 when he moved into Strathlbyn. 

George was fit and active and enjoyed good health.  He took an interest in most local affairs and was a keen debater of any controversial subject.  A practical man, he was able to set his hand at any task.  He was a life member of the Agricultural Society and an active member of the Strathalby branch of the Returned Services League and the South African War Veterans Association of South Australia to the end of his life.

George passed away at the Burnside Memorial Hospital on 19 December 1959 aged 83 years.  He is interred in the Strathalbyn Cemetery. His funeral was described as a solemn and moving occasion with poppies placed in his grave by returned soldiers, six of whom acted as pall bearers. 

He was survived by Zena, Max, Vern and four grand children.