Private George Smedley was born in Nottingham and lived in Lenton, Nottinghamshire. He was 5 foot 4 and had blue eyes and light brown hair. He was a labourer by trade. He enlisted on the 24th May 1890 at the age of 18 years and 9 months and was posted to the 1st Battalion. On the 11th November 1891, he transferred to the 2nd Battalion and served with them during the Tirah Campaign of 1897-98 and the Boer War of 1899-1902. 

On the 1st September 1902, he married Hannah Wilkinson. He was discharged on the 11th February 1907. 

On the 5th February 1900, he was sent to East London on the Sick Convoy. On the 20th June 1911, he attended the War Veterans dinner at Empress Rink, Nottingham.  

On the 7th November 1914, he re-enlisted into the Regiment at the age of 42 years with the new number 7806. On the 11th December 1914, he was posted to the 1st Battalion and embarked for France. On the 25th December 1915, he returned from France and was posted to the 10th Battalion and on the 17th January 1916 transferred to the 3rd Battalion.  

He was discharged on the 19th April 19017 as being no longer fit for service.