1901 Census

The 1901 Census spells the family name Clenza (sic). Living at 28 Emlyn Street are George Clenza (33) Labourer (there is another word, which may be coach building or coal… - given his occupation in 1911 it is probably coal), born Cornwall; Catherine Clenza (42) born Isle of Man; Nellie Clenza (8) born Barrow, Lancs; Fannie Clenza (6) born Barrow; George T. Clenza (3) born Barrow; Robert E. Clenza (3 mths) born Barrow. Two other households occupied the same address: John Ainsworth (58) General Labourer, born Ulverston, Lancs; Wife Elizabeth Ainsworth (59) born Ulverston; George Hughes (45) Steel Works Labourer, born Stafford, Staffs; and Wife Margaret Hughes (38) born Ireland.

1911 Census

In the 1911 Census living at 60 Emlyn Street, Barrow, are George Colenso (43) Coal Porter for O.M. Huartson, born Penzance, Cornwall; Kate Colenso (53) Married for 11 years, four children, all still living, born Laxer (sic – should be Laxey) Isle of Man; Elenor (sic) Colenso (18) Daughter, Mineral Water Works, Bottling Company, born Barrow-in-Furness; Fanny Colenso (16) Jute Weaver, Flax & Jute Company, born Barrow-in-Furness; George Colenso (13) Scholar, born Barrow-in-Furness; Edward Colenso (10) Scholar, born Barrow-in-Furness.

George Colenso’s Attestation Papers show that he joined up in Lancaster on 15 September 1915. He was Discharged “No longer physically fit for War Service” on 7 August 1916. The Medical Report dated 22 July 1916 stated “Tuberculosis. Patient had a sore and swelling on Right 3rd finger which suppurated. Was admitted with Tuberculosis symptoms of Rt 3rd finger. Is anaemic and feeble getting steadily worse.

A further Report dated 28 June 1917 states “He is very thin and anaemic. Has a cough. His chest is very flat & sunken especially at R. Apex. There is dulnes (sic) & amphoric breathing under R. Clavicle. The ring finger on R. hand is missing. There are ulcers on his neck. His condition was undoubtedly aggravated by ordinary military service. Permanent. Will get worse. Total incapacity. Sanatorium Treatment recommended though doubtful if any improvement. Reaggravation As this man was employed at fairly heavy work up to time of joining (wheeling bricks) & did all his training before getting ill, it is felt that the disease must have been aggravated by military service, if not caused by it. His weight on enlistment was normal.