South Warwickshire Family History Society War Memorial Transcription Project
The Fallen Men of South Warwickshire - World War One |
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Military History |
| Theatre of War | Medals | Commonwealth War Grave or Memorial |
|---|---|---|
| France & Flanders | 1914-15 Star, British War & Victory Medals | Reningherst Military Cemetery |
| Arrived in Theatre | Medal Citation (if app) | SWFHS Area Memorials |
| 17 Mar 1915 in France | ~ | Leek Wootton |
| Action, Battle or Other Reason Killed | Date and Place Enlisted | Other War Memorials |
| Died of Pneumonia | btwn Apr & Jul 1914 in Warwick | ~ |
| Place of Death | Previous Regiments or Units | |
| In the field near Reningherst | ~ | |
Original enlistement
From his service number, 5468 we can say that Charles enlisted sometime between April & July 1914 and his war gratuity payment confirms he was already serving at the outbreak of the war. He did not go out with the original 4th Battalion contingent who arrived at Havre in France on 22 Dec 1914, perhaps because of his age as he was only 17 when he enlisted.
Circumstances of Death
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Charles arrived in France on the 17th March 1915 and just 2 weeks later he died of Pneumonia A newspaper report about his death is transcribed below. Kenilworth Advertiser - Saturday May 29, 1915 Mr. & Mrs. Alfred Edwards, of Leek Wootton, have received a letter from the Officer Commanding the 4th Rifle Brigade, expressing sympathy with them for the loss of their son, Rifleman Charles Edwards, who was taken ill March 31st and died April 1st from Pneumonia while at a rest billet. He was given a full military funeral in the military cemetery at Rheningkelst, Belgium. |
| Personal & Family History |
| Birth Date/Place | Baptism Date/Place |
|---|---|
| 16 Sep 1896 in Leek Wootton | 28 Feb 1897 at All Saints, Leek Wootton |
| Parents Names | Abode |
| Alfred and Elizabeth Edwards | The Avenue, Leek Wootton |
| Schools | Colleges |
| ~ | |
| Address History | Employment History |
| 1897 - Leek Wootton | 1911 - School age |
| 1901 - Village, Leek Wootton | 1914 - Soldier in Rifle Brigade |
| 1911 - Leek Wootton | |
| 1914 - Leek Wootton | |
- Brother of Sydney Edwards who also fell
- Charles's father, Alfred, lived and worked on the Guy's Cliffe estate
