2Lt Max George, a recipient of the Queen’s Medal, was commissioned into the 5th Battalion The Rifles (5 RIFLES) in December 2021.
He appeared to breeze through the difficult Platoon Commander’s Battle Course’s tactics portion, finishing in the top 10, helped by reserve duty in his University Officer Training Corps and with Z Company of the 5th Battalion The Royal Regiment of Fusiliers.
He proudly assumed command of 13 Platoon, D Company, 5 RIFLES after enlisting early and obtaining his range qualifications through reserve service. Max stood out even at this early stage because of his effortless leadership style.
He was sharp and spirited yet being grounded and humble. He was harsh but kind, and his Riflemen naturally adored him for it. His leadership was supported by iron resolve and courage.
He was an excellent Reservist, consistently receiving the highest grades among his colleagues.
He oversaw groups participating in the Cambrian Patrol, adventurous training, and an Estonian military skills competition.
Max grabbed life and service by the horns and fought to have them do what he wanted.
He had established the strongest of reputations in his tragically brief tenure as a Regular Officer with 5 RIFLES. He was a leader to watch and the standard by which everyone else evaluated themselves. He was admired by all ranks.
He had already represented the Battalion’s Warrior Fitness Team and had spearheaded a company trip to London to see the regimental Sounding Retreat, so nothing phased him.
This best describes Max; he was completely unselfish and took great satisfaction in seeing Riflemen advance and prosper. Until they know how much their officers care, riflemen don’t care how much their officers know.
Everyone could see Max’s compassion and willingness to go above and above for others, including 13 Platoon.
His loss is therefore more more deeply felt because he was a young man who others naturally gravitated toward and was instantly respected, revered, and loved in equal measure.
Max had a bright future ahead of him and was anticipating his impending deployment to Canada and whatever might come next.
The Battalion and Regiment will miss this exceptional and gifted young man greatly, and we extend our deepest sympathies to his family and friends. He had so much to offer.
Max was a star that shone brightly, according to Lt Col Jim Hadfield OBE, Commanding Officer 5 RIFLES.
He was a natural leader who projected fiery determination and genuine compassion.
He was effortlessly impressive. For that, we adored him. He was unique and continues to be unique; his passing has left us considerably worse off. His family and friends are in my thoughts and prayers.
Max stood out from the crowd, which he would have inherently disliked but was accurate, according to Maj Joe Murray, Officer Commanding D Company, 5 RIFLES.
We were just beginning to realize Max’s remarkable potential when he quickly and effectively stepped into his role as commanding 13 Platoon. Max was quiet and precise, and it took him little time to settle into his job.
Max took immediate control of his squad after launching himself headfirst into battalion life. His frequent and wise inquiries about how he could best care for his Rifleman revealed his concern for them.
Max was so physically fit that he joined the 5 RIFLES’ Warrior Fitness Team right away and demonstrated to his unit the traits he demanded of them. In terms of ability, Max was far ahead of his peer group.
He received the Queen’s Medal after being singled out at the Royal Military Academy Sandhurst for his intelligence, all-around military prowess, and practical performance, yet he wouldn’t have mentioned it in casual conversation.
These characteristics were evident right away and persisted throughout his tragically brief stay with D Company.
The care and leadership Max was so ably delivering to 13 Platoon and the larger company have benefited greatly as a result of his passing, which will leave a huge hole in both. Our thoughts and prayers are with Martin, Vivienne, Claudia, and the rest of the family.
As part of their long-standing practice of keeping in touch with former members of the Company, 2Lt. Max George has adopted the motto “A dog is a dog.”
Max George was a remarkable man, according to Lt. Joe Hayes, Officer Commanding of 14 Platoon, D Company, 5 RIFLES. In addition to being a fellow platoon commander with D Company, Max was also a close friend to me.
I could talk honestly about anything with Max because he was a person who was simple to get along with. Only a few handful will have the honor of comprehending the kinship Max and I enjoyed.
The Rifles Platoon Commanders are supposed to exhibit humility and a selfless attitude toward the soldiers under their charge.
All of these traits were present in Max. Max was a hard worker and had a fantastic eye for detail.
Anything he set his mind to, he was successful at, which is merely more evidence of his perseverance.
The Riflemen under Max’s leadership as well as his peers adored him.
Everyone could see that Max enjoyed his work.
As a fellow Platoon Commander, it was obvious that 13 Platoon was in good hands because of Max’s passion and determination, which spread throughout the chain of command surrounding him.
He inspired me to strive for excellence with him.
The entire D Company, the Regiment, and his brother officers will deeply miss Max.
Max George, a canine at heart.
A group’s thoughts, D Company, 5 RIFLES, 13 Platoon Riflemen:
Despite only being with 13 Platoon for a short while, 2Lt Max George left a significant and long-lasting influence on everyone with whom he interacted.
It was immediately apparent that 2Lt George was a very capable young officer. He had an unusual talent for showing concern and devotion to us, the Riflemen he oversaw.
He was aware that he did not serve us, but rather we served him.
This immediately motivated our unit to desire to develop and advance both as soldiers and people. Day and night, 2Lt. George consistently gave of himself to those around him.
He never demanded special treatment and always returned favors given, placing himself on an equal footing with everyone under his charge.
2Lt Max But George wasn’t all work. We had wonderful social gatherings, some of which he organized, like our trip to the Sounding Retreat of the Regiment or evening excursions to Sandhurst to check on the prospective officers. He was always “one of the guys,” a true Rifleman, as we would say.
Ben Wallace, the secretary of defense, said: The loss of 2Lt George is a particularly sad reminder as we observe Armed Forces Week that our service members are always in danger while attempting to keep us secure. We are forever grateful.
Max exhibited all the virtues the Army stands for and as the testimonies indicate, we have lost a brilliant and gifted young man who will be greatly missed.
During this trying time, my thoughts are with his family, his friends, and his regiment.