Driver Edwin Soanes

Edwin’s parents Edwin (snr) and Margaret (nee Woolger) had married at Christchurch in West Croydon on 29th August 1875, and by the time Edwin was born they already had six children: Emily, James, Mary, John, Alice and Annie.

EDWIN was born in either April of May of 1890, and baptised on 10th September that same year, at Christchurch in West Croydon. At this time the family were living at 78 Thornton Road, Croydon and Edwin’s parents both worked as a farm Labourers. Three further children followed Edwin's birth: Charles was born in May 1893 but sadly died the following year, Sarah was born in 1895, and Edith in 1898, making a total of ten children born to the couple.

Edwin’s Mother Margaret died 14th October 1899 aged 46 and was buried at St. Marys in Beddington. Edwin would have been aged 9.

By 1901 The family were living in London Road Beddington, and Edwin’s father was still working as a farm worker. He died aged 52 on 1st June 1905 and was buried at St. Mary’s Beddington. Young Edwin at the age of 15 had now lost both his parents.

By 1911 Edwin, aged 20, was working as a Groom for Mr. Alfred Edward Peat, a Colonial Broker and was living in Cranmer, Cranmer Road, Mitcham. The household consisted of 10 family members and 14 servants, including maids, cooks a Chauffeur and Groom.

With the outbreak of war Edwin enlisted in Nottingham as a Driver with the Notts and Derby (Sherwood Foresters) Royal Horse Artillery and was given the service number 232.

On 8th August 1914 he transferred to the Royal Horse Artillery. His occupation was listed as a Groom. Edwin was described as 5ft 7 ½ tall, weighed 143 lbs and had a chest measurement of 36 inches. He had a light complexion and brown eyes. His age was listed as 24 years and 3 months. (Making his birth either April or May 1890). Edwin was initially given the service number 504 then 612232 when he transferred to the Royal Field Artillery. (RFA)

In August 1914 the RFA was a relatively small organization amounting to 25 Batteries. It was envisaged that just six would form part of the British expeditionary force and would proceed overseas.

Edwin died on 9th April 1915 at Notts and Derby Field Ambulance, at Thomage, Nr Holt in Norfolk, just as his unit were proceeding to the port for embarkation overseas. His family were not notified immediately as his death was left in the hands of the Field Ambulance who appeared to have overlooked reporting it.

Edwin was buried at St. Mary the Virgin Churchyard, in Sutton. His name also appears on the Mitcham War Memorial.