L-Cpl George Kidman, 12387, 6th Battalion Bedfordshire Regiment, was killed in action on April 23rd, 1917, during the Battle of Arras. He was aged 22.

In a letter to widowed mother Mrs Amelia Kidman, living at 16 Ashton Road, Luton, company commanding officer Lieut D. M. Saunders said L-Cpl Kidman and two friends were killed by a shell while sitting in a trench on April 23rd. He died instantly and suffered no pain.

Another letter from an unnamed "mate" of George also said he was killed by a shell. "It came as a great blow to me, as he was my best pal ever since we enlisted. He was a fine soldier and knew no fear."

Born in Islington, London, George Kidman was the son of Amelia and the late Albert Kidman (died 1901). He had enlisted at the outbreak of war in the Gun Section of the Beds Regiment and went to the front in July 1915. He had gone through many battles, including the Somme.

Prior to enlistment, George was employed by the Clerk of Works department on the Luton Hoo estate. In the 1911 Census, when then living with his mother and siblings at 2 Front Street, Slip End, he was described as an apprentice plumber and decorator.

George was included on a Luton Hoo roll of honour compiled in 1915 by James Baker, agent for Lady Wernher.