George Gwinnette Noble Tinson of Postbridge, Repulse Bay Road, Hong Kong, late of Cleevlands, Evesham Road, Cheltenham, Gloucestershire, UK. Killed in action 19/12/1941
George Tinson was a well known Cheltonian, born on 17 February 1886, younger son of the late Julius Tinson and grandson of George Tinson of The Cleevlands, Marle Hill, Cheltenham. He was at Cheltenham College between 1899-1905 where he was a prominent rugby footballer and a leading player for Cheltenham Rugby Football Club. He later played as a professional for Blackheath 1st XV and for the Barbarians Rugby Football Club.
Attending the University of London, in his examination results of June 1905 he was placed in the 1st Division in English, Latin, Mathematics, Greek and Ancient History. He was then articled to Messrs Winterbotham, Gurney & Co, Solicitors, of Cheltenham and passed his finals in 1912, practicing in Swansea.
On the outbreak of the Great War he volunteered and was commissioned into the Welsh Regiment, later transferring to the King's Own Royal Lancaster Regiment and the Army Cyclist Corps. He served in Gallipoli, Egypt and Mesopotamia where he was awarded the Military Cross for gallantry.
Retiring from the army as a Captain he joined the firm of Johnson, Stokes & Master, solicitors, of Hong Kong and remained there for the rest of his life.
On declaration of war by Japan, he organised the Hong Kong Cyclist Corps in a civilian capacity. When the Japanese threatened Hong Kong he set about turning his private residence into a fortress. Within twelve hours of the Japanese landings on the Island, substantial advances had been made. From the Wong Nei Chong Gap southwards, the attack was carried out by Colonel Doi's 228th Regiment - the unit which had broken the mainland defence line within a few hours. They shortly found their advance barred by a defending force at Postbridge - the large house owned by George Tinson, just south of the Gap. A British Naval contingent had arrived there shortly before, purely by chance. During the previous night a report had been sent to Aberdeen that "a house near Wong Nei Chong Gap was signalling to the enemy" and a naval party of ten men volunteered to investigate. They went up from Cornflower Base at Deepwater Bay and this party included two senior officers Lt Cdr JCM Grenham and Lt Cdr P Dulley.
The house indicated proved to be the HQ of a Hong Kong and Singapore Royal Artillery Battery commanded by Major Crowe. The naval party went on to search other houses and soon after dawn they were fired upon at close range. Returning fire, they withdrew to Postbridge. Here, Major Crowe and Captain Atkinson concentrated some of their gunners. Shortly after 0800 the Japanese force opened a heavy fire on the house. Captain Airey of the Royal Artillery was killed and George Tinson, who was assisting in the defence of his home was mortally wounded.
On the 20th December, throughout the early hours, the Japanese attacked in force, isolating the defenders and setting light to the building. The whole of the front elevation collapsed killing Lt Cdr Dulley. Captain Atkinson was wounded and as the position was no longer tenable the house was evacuated. George Tinson perished in the defence of his home and has no known grave. He is commemorated on the Borough of Cheltenham War Memorial.