Pte
William John Edwards
Information about birth
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Date of birth: 25/06/1880 |
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Place of birth: Mawnan, Cornwall, England, United Kingdom |
General information
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Profession: Mason |
Army information
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Country: England, United Kingdom |
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Force: British Expeditionary Force |
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Rank: Private |
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Service number: 34579 |
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Enlistment place: Falmouth, Cornwall, England, United Kingdom |
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Units: — Loyal North Lancashire Regiment, 1st Bn. (Last known unit) |
Information about death
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Date of death: 14/11/1917 |
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Place of death: Valour Farm, Passchendaele, Belgium |
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Cause of death: Killed in action (K.I.A.) |
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Age: 37 |
Cemetery
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Poelcapelle British Cemetery Plot: 12 Row: A Grave: 9 |
Distinctions and medals 2
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British War Medal Medal |
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Victory Medal Medal |
Points of interest 2
| #1 | Place of birth | ||
| #2 | Enlistment place |
My story
William John Edwards was a 36-old mason from Mawnan, Cornwall. He fell during the Battle of Passchendaele, leaving behind a wife and four young children. William served with the 1st Battalion Loyal North Lancashire Regiment, part of the 2nd Brigade, of the 1st Division.
On 10 November 1917 the 1st Division participated in the final stage of the Battle of Passchendaele. It attacked near the Goudberg, to the north of Passchendaele, to cover the Canadian advance on Passchendaele itself. During the attack on the 10th Dennis’ Battalion remained in support at Kronprinz Farm. On the following day the 1st Loyal North Lancashire moved up to the frontline and took up positions between Source and Valour Farm on the Goudberg hill. Throughout the next following days their positions were frequently shelled. Relief followed during the night of 13 and 14 November. The 2nd Royal Sussex relieved the Loyal North Lancashire, but two platoons failed to arrive on time. This forced two platoons of the 1st Loyal North Lancashire to remain in the line till daybreak. The two companies that had already moved out were shelled between Mosselmarkt and Meetcheele, suffering heavy casualties.
Private William John Edwards was killed in action on 14 November 1917. After the war his body was recovered at 20.V.30.c.10.20, south-east of Valour Farm near the frontline. Private Edwards is commemorated at Poelcapelle British Cemetery, plot 12, row A grave 9.
On 10 November 1917 the 1st Division participated in the final stage of the Battle of Passchendaele. It attacked near the Goudberg, to the north of Passchendaele, to cover the Canadian advance on Passchendaele itself. During the attack on the 10th Dennis’ Battalion remained in support at Kronprinz Farm. On the following day the 1st Loyal North Lancashire moved up to the frontline and took up positions between Source and Valour Farm on the Goudberg hill. Throughout the next following days their positions were frequently shelled. Relief followed during the night of 13 and 14 November. The 2nd Royal Sussex relieved the Loyal North Lancashire, but two platoons failed to arrive on time. This forced two platoons of the 1st Loyal North Lancashire to remain in the line till daybreak. The two companies that had already moved out were shelled between Mosselmarkt and Meetcheele, suffering heavy casualties.
Private William John Edwards was killed in action on 14 November 1917. After the war his body was recovered at 20.V.30.c.10.20, south-east of Valour Farm near the frontline. Private Edwards is commemorated at Poelcapelle British Cemetery, plot 12, row A grave 9.
Sources 5
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"The Loyal North Lancashire Regiment", Wylly H.C., London, The Royal United Service Institution, 1933, pg. 51-53. Sources used |
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Ancestry https://www.ancestry.com/ Sources used |
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CWGC https://www.cwgc.org/find-records/find-war-dead/casualty-details/491446/w-j-edwards/ Sources used |
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The Long, Long Trail http://www.longlongtrail.co.uk/army/ Sources used |
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War Diary Loyal North Lancashire Regiment, 1st Bn. http://www.nmarchive.com/ Sources used |