George Machray Morfee, miner. Born 9 August 1920, in Crossford, Fife. Died: 22 December 2017, in Hertfordshire, aged 97. Born in Crossford, Fife, George Morfee’s father was a professional cricket player, fast bowler Pat Morfee, who played for Kent, and his mother was the former Ann Millar. The family moved around frequently. He left school at 14 – with no knowledge that he had been awarded a scholarship to the local grammar school – and began his his first job at Metal Industries at Rosyth Dockyard. George started as an office boy and at night school - to which he cycled 14 miles, rain or shine – obtained a Final Accountancy Diploma which helped him gain promotion. George was very self motivated and passionate about music, art and culture. In 1939, as war broke out, he enlisted at 18 as a Territorial in the Royal Artillery, started as a Gunner and was promoted to Quarter Master Sergeant. George served in the Lovat Scouts Mountain Commando Unit and toured North Africa, Italy, Austria and Greece. A talented writer, he produced a frank and comprehensive journal of his experiences during the war. George was honoured for distinguished service in 1943. He remained a fit man all his life, exercising every day up until the very last week before he passed away. This discipline was in his blood in many areas of his life. Obituary: George Morfee, miner, pianist, gardener and climber
