Killed in action aged 24
Buried in La Clytte Military Cemetery Plot II. B. 24
George Klaassen was born in the Old Palace, Richmond, the eldest son of the six children of Dr Dukinfield Henry Scott, F.R.S., a professor of Palaeobotany, and his wife Henderina Victoria Klaasen.
George’s paternal grandfather was Sir George Gilbert Scott, the renowned architect of many iconic buildings including the Midland Grand Hotel at St Pancras Station, the Albert Memorial in Hyde Park, St Mary‘s Cathedral in Edinburgh, and Christ Church Cathedral, Christchurch, New Zealand. George’s maternal grandfather, Hendericus Martinus Klaasen, born in Prussia in 1829, moved to London from 1853 and was a seed merchant by trade.
George was educated at Bedales School, and came up to Christ Church in 1911.
He took a First Class degree in Engineering (then a very new degree subject) in 1914.
On 25 September 1914 George enlisted in the army at Chatham as a sapper in 14th Signal Company, Royal Engineers, and was promoted the next day to the rank of corporal (motorcyclist). He was granted a commission on 31 December 1914 and served with the 237 Field Co., Royal Engineers. His enlistment papers show that he was just under 6 ft tall, weighed 154 lbs, with a fresh complexion, blue eyes, and light brown hair.
Shortly after returning to the front from leave at his parents' home, East Oakley House, Oakley, George was killed by a shell at Dickebusch, Ypres. He is remembered on the St John’s War Memorial and the Church Oakley War Memorial.