WELLS, Edward Thomas



No.20374, Private,Edward Thomas WELLS
Aged 25


11th Battalion, Suffolk Regiment
Killed in Action on Wednesday, 11th October 1916


Edward Thomas Wells was born in Cavendish (Sudbury Q1-1891 4A:727), son of Thomas and Cepha WELLS (née PAWSEY).


1891 census...Aged 2, he was at Kineson Farm, Water Lane, Cavendish with his father Thomas WELLS, [30] farm labourer; his mother Cepha [30]; sisters Lill [9], Hannah [7] and Lena [3 months]. His brother George was with his grandmother, widow Hannah WELLS [68] born Clare at Workhouse Street, Cavendish with her son Henry[40]. All were born in Cavendish, except his grandmother.

1901 census...Aged 10, he was at Workhouse Street, Cavendish with his widowed aunt, Hannah WELLS [73] born Clare and her son Henry [40] farm labourer born Cavendish. His parents (father now horse keeper) were at Lower Street, Cavendish with his brothers George (ploughman) and Ernest [1]; sisters Lena [14], Hannah [12], Edith [7] and Edith [4]. The ages recorded now of Edward, Hannah and Lena appear strange, also his uncle Henry.

1911 census... Aged 20, Edward, a butcher's assistant, was at Lower Street, Cavendish with his parents; sisters Hannah [22], Ethel [18], Edith [14] and Ella [5]; brother Charlie [7]. Cepha had borne 11 children but 1 had died (born and died between census).


He enlisted in Colchester. He enlisted with Frederick WELLS (not a brother) with sequential numbers see here



War Diary:-
"11/10/16 - Bois Grenier - Silent Raid intruded - the night was very light, and although the party remained in NO MAN's LAND until 4:30 a.m. (12th) it was not dark enough for them to attempt to cut wire that had been missed by the 60lb trench mortars. 1 OR killed, 1 wounded. (this was not raiding party)".




Edward Wells is buried in Ration Farm Military Cemetery, La Chapelle-d'Armentieres grave 2:B:6

click here to go to the Commonwealth War Graves Commission website for full cemetery/memorial details


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