Military History

Edward as listed as dying of wounds on 2 Jun 1915 and is remembered on the Helles Memorial. We don't know when he was wounded or whether he died where he fell or if he was taken to a Dressing Station or Field Ambulance, we do know that he never reached one of the hospital ships anchored in the Bay at Suvla. The 4th Battalion war diary entries for the period 25th May to 2nd June 1915 are transcribed below.

In the Field 25th May 1915: 15 officers and 504 other ranks East Lancashire Territorials attached. The men were kept hard at work sapping so as to get nearer the enemy. Orders received at 3pm that the Regiment must move forward. 9.30pm Z Company started to entrench with three men on the line which is was hoped to make and hold. The line was joined together across 200 yards of front by 2.45am and everyone was hard at work digging themselves in. Mr Cheaney was wounded at 3.15am. Captain Wilson, Royal Fusiliers attached to Regiment for four day and with X Company who started the trench from the right flank was ordered to take command of Z Coy vice Chesney. Our casualties during the night were four killed and seven wounded.

In the Field 26th May 1915: The day was spent consolidating the new trenches also communication trenches.

In the Field 27th May 1915: Still working away at the trenches in case the Turks should try an attack. We only wish they would. 13 Officers and 159 other ranks joined the Battalion for duty.

In the Field 28th May 1915: Still working away at the trenches and sapping out towards the enemy's trenches. Capt. C.W. Murray K.O.S.B attached for 3 days, also 5 NCO.s of Cyclist Company.

In the Field 29th May 1915: All going well, everybody busy digging at the communication trenches. The Colonel was one of the officers selected for 4 days rest and to be the guest of Sir Ian Hamilton on the Arcadian. 2 Lt Kirkham wounded in the head and face at about 12 noon.

In the Field 30th May 1915: There was a great deal of firing in the early morning, this being due in a great measure to the Essex trying to recover a trench lost by the 6th Manchesters. We are still in the same line and improving the communications trenches.

In the Field 31st May 1915: Still on the same line and working away at a fresh line of trenches in between the firing line and and supports. Reason for all this digging I should think it to enable the lines to be closed up before advancing to the attack.

In the Field 1st June 1915: The Battalion has orders to straighten the line held by us, which means that the centre of the left Company must go up 40 yards.

In the Field 2nd June 1915: 3.30am the fresh piece of trench has been dug and the line connected up. Captain Brett, 2 Lts Martin and Pierc joined for duty.