Corporal Edwin Albert Welsh (Welch)
| Date of Birth | c. 1885 |
|---|---|
| Age at Death | 34 |
| Date of Death | 10/10/1919 |
| Service Number | L/9688 |
| Military Service | 2nd Battalion Middlesex Regiment (Duke of Cambridge's Own) |
| Merton Address | |
| Local Memorial | Streatham Park Cemetery |
Additional Information
Very little is known of Edwin’s early life except that he was born in Chelsea c. 1885. His regimental records show his next of kin as his parents Robert and Emma of 62 Park Grove, Fulham but no further records have been found. This could be due to a disparity over the spelling of his surname or he could have been known as Albert within the family, but this cannot be confirmed.
Some of his Army records are available and these give an insight into the person he was.
He joined up aged 18 on 3 March 1904. Prior to this, his occupation had been as an engine cleaner.
He was 5ft 5½ins tall but within six months had grown to 5ft 8ins. He has grey eyes, light brown hair and a fresh complexion.
He served for 7 years then transferred to the Army Reserve on 31 August 1912.
He was mobilized, with the rank of Private, on 5 August 1914. He had a temporary promotion to Lieutenant Corporal from 23 February 1915 to 2 August 1915 then again from 27 June 1917 to 20 September 1917 when he was fully promoted to Corporal. He was wounded twice in October 1916 and April 1918. He was recorded as Missing on 27 May 1918 and later shown to be a Prisoner of War. He was repatriated shortly after the war ended.
Edwin died in Wandsworth on 10 October 1919 and is buried in a war grave at Streatham Park Cemetery.