No.408133, Private, Edward Jack EDWARDS
Aged 19
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Edward Jack Edwards was born in Brandon in 1899 (Thetford Q2-1899 4B:373), son William and Eliza EDWARDS (née ZIPFEL). 1901 census...Aged 2, he was at Thetford Road, Brandon with his father William EDWARDS [37] journeyman painter; his mother Eliza [36]; brothers Willie [15] a boy working in whiting yard, Charles [13], Walter [7] and Arthur [5]; sisters Rosina [11] and Edith [9]. All were born in Brandon. 1911 census...Aged 12, as Jack, he was at Thetford Road, Brandon with his parents; brothers Walter (whiting maker), Arthur (farm labourer); sistersAnnie [9] and Hilda M [6], both born in Brandon. 9 children had been born all survived. |
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His newspaper photograph above was taken when he was in the Norfolk Regiment. He enlisted in the Norfolk Regiment on 1st June 1915, giving his age as 19
years 3 months, and his name as John Edwards, born and living in Brandon, a cycle mechanic. He was only 5feet 2 inches tall, 98 lbs, chest 31.25" to 33.25". He received 5 days Confined to Barracks for being in possession of the duty rifle on 4th September Then the truth about his enlistment was revealed "Sirs, I have forwarded my son Jack Edward's, number 19455, of the 10th Battalion Norfolk Regiment, now lying at Colchester, birth certificate on to you to let you know he is only 16 years old. I have done so as I think he is far too young to go into any firing line yet for a long while. I wish him to do home duty only. Yours truly, W. Edwards" Proof positive of his being under age, but he still wished to serve, on 14th September 1915 a Captain from his battalion wrote to the War Office. "This man is very anxious to serve. Is it possible for us to keep him as a bugler?" Capt. Bavis, 10th Battalion, Norfolk Regiment After more letters, Lieutenant Barrow wrote to the War Office on 15th September 1915, "I beg to recommend for consideration as a special case, that the man mentioned may be allowed to remain in the service for duty at home, until such time he is physically fit for service abroad in view of the fact that the man does not wish to be discharged and his father is willing for him to serve at home. Will you kindly return the attestations and birth certificate with reply" From the Director of Recruiting came back:- "Sir, With reference to your memorandum of the 15th instant, No. 19455/15, relative to No. 19455, Pte J. Edwards, 10th Battalion, Norfolk Regiment, I am directed to return the accompanying Attestation and Birth Certificate, and to inform you that this soldier should be discharged forthwith, under paragraph 392 (vi) (a) King's Regulations." His Army Service records end there unfortunately. The Bury Free Press of 15th June 1918 reported:- BRANDON LAD KILLED IN ACTION The sad news has been received by Mr.and Mrs.William Edwards, 76 Thetford Road, Brandon, that their son, Prvt Edward Jack Edwards, 1/5th King's Liverpool Regt., was killed in action in France on May 23rd. The young soldier was only 19 and at the outbreak of the war, although only 16, enlisted, but was released on his parents' demand. He again re-enlisted and was released, but finally joined up on his 18th birthday. One month later the Bury Free Press of 15th July 1918 reported further BRANDON SOLDIER FALLS IN ACTION We sincerely regret to announce the death in action in France of Private Edward jack Edwards, of the King's Liverpool Regiment. third son of Mr and Mrs Jack Edwards of Thetford Road, Brandon. The official news states that he fell during an engagement on May 23rd. The deceased soldier was only 19 years of age. He first joined the colours at the age of 16, but after a short time was released at his parents' request on account of his extreme youthfulness, Joining up a second time, he was again claimed by his parents, but a third attempt on his 18th birthday proved successful, and after a short period of training was sent overseas. The heartfelt sympathy of the villagers goes out to the bereaved relatives in their sorrow. The Battalion were in the right of the GIVENCHY Sector, the war diary is brief:- May 23rd. Blustery strong wind, little aerial observation. Increase in hostile artillery. Casualties 2 killed 4 wounded. CGWC also has just 2 killed. click here to go to the Brandon at War website for more information
photo: Rodney Gibson photo: Rodney Gibson click here to go to the Commonwealth War Graves Commission website for full cemetery/memorial details |
