George Henry Franklin, Stoker Petty Officer, P/K 59345, was born in Hounslow, London on February 10th, 1901. He was the son of Henry Franklin, a builder’s labourer, and his wife Anna Maria, née Fisher. In 1920, he was working as a hawker. He married Florence Ellen Gibbins in 1924.
George’s service in the Navy began on December 7th, 1920. On completion of his twelve-year engagement, he joined the Royal Fleet Reserve. He re-enlisted in the Royal Navy on July 31st, 1939 and joined HMS Dunedin on November 24th, 1940.