Edward Appleyard

(L to R) British War Medal; Allied Victory Medal

We don't know anything about Edward's early life.

Edward served in the Manchester Regiment during the First World War. He was given the service number 45098. This tells us that he joined the Army after mid 1916, or more probably in 1917. We don't know whether he volunteered for service or was conscripted. By this time men could be sent to whichever regiment needed them, regardless of local links.

At some point during his service Edward was transferred to the 10th (County of London) Battalion of the London Regiment (Hackney). This unit had originally been part of the Territorial Force, so its soldiers had been issued new service numbers in March 1917. Edward was given the service number 425345. This is a new style number, so we know that he was transferred after March 1917.

The details of Edward's service are a mystery. He survived the war, but we don't know what happened to him afterwards.