George Dixon-Sutton
Born: 1899
Died: 2nd September 1918
Rank and Regiment: Private 57837 in the 2nd Battalion of the Lancashire Fusiliers
Resting Place: Vis-en-Artois British Cemetery, Calais, France
Memorials: All Saints Brandon Parva, United Kingdom and; Bracondale School, Norwich, United Kingdom
George Dixon-Sutton was born in 1899 and the registration of his birth curiously lists his surname as “Le Dixon-Sutton”.He was the third son of (Thomas) Arthur Dixon-Sutton, farmer, and (Amy) Kate (nee Wrigglesworth), his wife. The family lived at Monck’s Hall, Brandon Parva, and appears to have been reasonably prosperous; one servant is listed as being resident on Census night in 1901.
In 1911, George, together with his three brothers, is boarding at Bracondale School, Norwich. In contrast to the school to which William Foster of Hardingham was sent (which has been described as “notoriously spartan and uncomfortable”) Bracondale appears to have been
well thought of. The boys of Bracondale were apparently known as “The Peppermint Boys” on account of the design of their caps. Then, following its sudden closure for financial reasons in 1993, former pupils spoke in the pages of the Norwich Evening News of “a much-loved school”. The declared aim of Bracondale was apparently:
“To produce happy and decent young gentlemen who do their best, and have consideration for the welfare and feelings of others.”
George initially joined the 2nd/6th Nottinghamshire and Derbyshire Regiment, with the service number 103123, before transferring to the Lancashire Fusiliers. He was killed in action at the Battle of Drocourt Quéant on 2 September 1918. His body was never found and he is commemorated on a memorial at Vis-en-Artois British Cemetery, Calais. He is also listed, together with his brother William and 42 other former pupils, on the War Memorial of Bracondale School.
His effects amounting to £6. 9s. 2d. together with a War Gratuity of £5. 10s., were paid out to his father.
War Memorial at Bracondale School
Vis-en-Artois Cemetery