(L to R) 1914-15 Star; British War Medal; Allied Victory Medal

Edward was born in Hulme, Manchester. We don't know anything about his early life.

When the First World War broke out in August 1914 Edward felt a strong enough connection to Manchester to want to join the 5th City Battalion that was being formed by its workers. He enlisted during the second half of November or the first half of December 1914 and was given the service number 17545. This unit became the 20th Battalion of the Manchester Regiment and Edward was assigned to IX Platoon in C Company.

Edward and the 20th Battalion arrived in France on the 9th November 1915. He stayed in the 20th Battalion throughout his time in France and at some point he was promoted to Lance Corporal.

Beginning on the 1st July 1916 the 20th Battalion took part in the Battle of the Somme. This Battle was to last until November 1916, but Edward would not see its end. He was killed in action on the 28th August 1916.

After the war Edward's grave could not be found, so his name is one of the 72,203 listed on the Thiepval Memorial in France. Edward's name is on Pier 13 Face A or Pier 14 Face C.