6th Battalion, Royal Inniskilling Fusiliers (British Army)
Date Of Birth:
30/06/1924
Died:
15/05/1944 (Killed in Action)
Age:
19
Summary
Lance Corporal George Rollins was born on 30th June 1924, the son of George Rollins (snr) and Mrs. Lena Rollins (nee McCollum), Ardtrea, Cookstown. He was killed in action on 15th May 1944, aged 19 as a result of enemy action at the village of Vendittis, near Cassino, Italy. The Battalion assaulted the village capturing it by 0500hrs.
Further Information
George Rollins was the son of George and Lena Rollins (nee McCollum) from Ardtrea, Cookstown. He was born on 30th June 1924.
George was a member of Drumbonaway L.O.L. 214.
Prior to enlisting he had worked as a labourer.
About ten days before died George was promoted to Lance Corporal.
Lance Corporal George Rollins was serving with the 6th Battalion of the Royal Inniskilling Fusiliers when he was killed in action on 15th May 1944 as a result of enemy action at the village of Vendittis, near Cassino in Italy.
The 6th Battalion diary from 15th May 1944 reports that the battalion objective was to take a road at map ref 833174. The fighting lasted from 3am until 6:30 pm. The battalion’s casualties for the day included two officers killed and two wounded, with nine other ranks killed, including George Rollins. Fifty men were wounded.
From the Mid Ulster Mail dated 10th June 1944: Roll of Honour – Killed in Action – Drumbonaway L.O.L. No. 214
The Officers and Members of the above Lodge desire to tender their deepest sympathy to relatives of our esteemed Bro George Rollins, killed in action May 1944.
Lance Corporal George Rollins is buried in Cassino War Cemetery in Italy. His inscription reads: A LITTLE WHILE AND WE SHALL MEET THE LOVED ONE GONE BEFORE.
Lance Corporal George Rollins is commemorated locally on Cookstown Cenotaph, Stewartstown War Memorial and at St Andrew’s Church of Ireland, Ardtrea, Cookstown.
The CWGC record Lance Corporal George Rollins as the son of George and Lena Rollins of Ardtrea, County Tyrone.
