EDWARDS, Ernest


No.26639, Private, Ernest EDWARDS
Aged 33


8th Battalion, Suffolk Regiment
Killed in Action on 17th February 1917


Ernest Edwards was born in Horringer(3rd qtr 1883 Thingoe 4a:600) son of William and Clara EDWARDS(née COOPER).

Aged 7, he was at The Street, Horringer with his father William EDWARDS [43] carpenter; his mother Clara [46] born Wickhambrook; brothers Arthur [16] and Harry [14] both farm labourers and Alfred [11]; sisters Emma [18] and Ellen [4]. All except his mother were born in Horringer.

1901 census...Aged 17, he was a footman at Coldham Hall, Stanningfield. His parents were still at The Street, Horringer with his brother Arthur (gardener) and sister Ellen.

1911 census...Aged 27, he was a servant at Freston House, Freston, Ipswich. His parents were still in Horringer. His father died in 1915.

His mother re-married in 1919 to Henry SOUTHGATE and on the pension card was at Bury Road, Wickhambrook.


He enlisted in Bury St.Edmunds.
On 17th February 1917 the battalion were involved in the battle for Miraumont (known to the Regiment as Boom Ravine). The assault went well despite the weather having turned everywhere into a sea of mud. Forming up was made even more hazardous as it seems treachery was afoot and the enemy had been updated on our plans. Leading companies quickly reached within 200 yards of Petit Miraumont and consolidated. This action was the start of the German retreat to the Hindenburg Line. It cost the 8th Suffolks 130 casualties. (38 of them killed)




Ernest Edwards is commemorated on the Thiepval Memorial, Somme pier/face 1C/2A

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


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