William George was born in Walthamstow, London back in 1904. He was educated at the Royal Naval College and entered the Royal Navy in 1920 at 16. He started out as a boy seaman and was promoted to lieutenant-commander in 1939. He was awarded the Distinguished Service Cross for his part in the Dunkirk evacuation in 1940.
He took part in the sinking of the Bismarck while serving as gunnery officer aboard the HMS Rodney in 1941. He served in the Navy for nearly thirty years retiring in 1949. He ran for political office on several occasions after his retirement. He was a major advocate of pedestrian and non-motor vehicle traffic rights. He once had a car painted with zebra stripes before switching to his armored bicycle. In the 1950’s he was involved in several legal cases where he launched private prosecutions of public figure who had been involved in road accidents. May as well tell you I’m writing about William George Boaks.
He was charged and fined several times for publishing “unlawful” advertisements as part of his campaigns. However, can you tell me what he is most noted for in British history? Well actually he is noted twice. Well the first one is he ran for office at the Glasgow Hillhead by-election he received only 5 votes a record that held until the 2005 general elections. Being a candidate for vehicle, bicycle and pedestrian safety in 1984 he was injured in a minor traffic accident while getting off of a bus. He died two years later as a result of the complication from the head injuries he received.
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