Born London to an English mother (Sarah Bertrand) and a French father. Educated at Private Schools in England and France.

Emigrated alone,as a 16 year old boy, aboard the British Immigrant ship 'Sandford' to New Plymouth, when his mother Sarah Bertrand (nee Hunt) died at England, aboard Immigrant 'Sandford' to New Plymouth about 1856 where he lived with his Aunt and Uncle - Rebekah (nee Hunt) (1812) and Captain Charles Everett (Taranaki Militia) (1812) who owned a farm at Bell Block, New Plymouth. The Everetts had earlier emigrated to New Zealand - in 1853 - aboard 'Sir Edward Paget' with other Everett family members from Canada, via England. They were born at England Rebekah (1820) and Charles (1820).

During the Taranaki Land Wars (1860-1864) George served as a Colour Sergeant, with his Uncle Charles Everett (later Captain Charles Everett) with the Taranaki Militia.

Sergeant George Bertrand fought with the Taranaki Volunteers in battles at Mahoetahi and Waireka.

Sergeant George Bertrand later joined Von Tempsky's Bush Rangers - and was involved in the pursuit of Te Kooti to the East Coast.

After the Land Wars were over George Bertrand was allocated a Soldier's Grant of land - being 83 acres of land at Tikorangi. He sold this land and took up farming at Urenui, Taranaki District. Here he became a farmer - for 60 years - as well as being a partner in the Urenui General Store with a former soldier Charlie Rowe.

George Bertrand married Toroa Iki Wairangi - and they had 7 children. One of these children - also named George Bertrand - would serve at Gallipoli and the Western Front during World War 1 - and during World War 2 would be 2nd in Command of the New Zealand 28th (Maori) Battalion. He also fought at Crete.

Sergeant George Bertrand died in 1926 - and is buried at Urenui Cemetery, Taranaki.

Bertrand Road, Urenui is named after this early settler/soldier/farmer. AWMM