FRANCIS ALBERT GEORGE BEST

Born

On 20 January 1918 at Oldina, near Wynyard.

Connection to South Riana

Lived and buried in South Riana.

Parents

Arthur John ‘Jack’ BEST and Annie Maria CORKERY who were married at Wynyard in 1907.

Siblings

Vera May 1907 – 1908

Arthur John 1908 – 1969

Marion Vida 1911 – 1984

Johanna Mary 1914 – 2005

Margaret Aileen 1916 – 1991

Robert James 1919 – 1981

William Joseph 1921 – 1988

Married

Mavis June GOOD (1923 – 1993), unknown date and place.

Family

Merlene Frances 1943

Malcolm  1952

Died

on 5 November 1986 at South Riana. Buried at South Riana.

School Records

Not known

Military Records

Service Number T28185, a Sapper in the 30 Garrison Battalion. Enlisted at Penguin on 16 August 1940 aged 22 ½, a  single farm labourer with dark brown hair and grey eyes giving his father Jack of East Wynyard as his next of kin which changed upon his marriage to his wife Mavis who was living at Loyatea. His permanent address was given as  c/- C.H. Good, South Riana. He was called up to serve on sentry ‘Full Time Duty’ in November 1941. George was charged several times for being AWOL forfeiting pay each time. He did not serve overseas as he was ‘released on farm work on behalf of self’ and discharged on 12 October 1943.

Photographs courtesy of Doug Fielding, Annette Carr and Barry Fielding.