Chief Stoker George David High was born in Yarmouth, Norfolk in November 1879 and entered the Royal Navy as a Stoker 2nd Class in March 1898. Having gained advancement to Chief Stoker by the advent of hostilities in August 1914, he commenced his wartime career aboard the Cruiser H.M.S. Lancaster, in which ship he remained until July 1915. Following a period ashore, he next joined, in March 1916, the Destroyer Termagant and was present aboard her at Jutland later that year, services that resulted in him being awarded the Russian St. George's Medal - sold with verification. High would appear to have seen additional service with the Dover Patrol in another Destroyer, the Mohawk, before the War's end, and was finally pensioned ashore in April 1919.