Name
Edward Stokes
24 Jul 1898
Conflict
First World War
Date of Death / Age
01/07/1918
19
Rank, Service Number & Service Details
Private
14065
The Buffs (East Kent Regiment)
6th Bn.
Awards: Service Medals/Honour Awards
British War and Victory medals
Cemetery/Memorial: Name/Reference/Country
HARPONVILLE COMMUNAL CEMETERY EXTENSION
D. 17.
France
Headstone Inscription
No Report
UK & Other Memorials
Holy Trinity Church Memorial, Frogmore, St Stephens Parish Memorial Obelisk, Park Street, Not on the St Albans memorials
Pre War
Edward was born in Hornsey, Edmonton, Middlesex on 24 Jul 1898 (baptised 5 Nov 1899, St Mary’s Hornsey) to William Stokes, a navvy (short for navigator = labourer), and Mary (nee Fenton).
On the 1901 Census the family of parents, Elizabeth (born 1889), Frederick (born 1892), Thomas (born 1894), William and Dorothy (born 1901 were living 39, North View Road, Hornsey. On the 1911 Census the family consisting of parents Thomas (farm labourer), Edward and Dorothy were living at Park Street Lane, Park Street, St. Albans.
Wartime Service
Edward was enlisted on 9 Aug 1916 at Mill Hill, Middlesex, giving his occupation as gardener, aged 18. The next day 10 Aug he was posted as a Private 24563 to 28th (Reserve) Battalion, Duke of Cambridge’s Own (Middlesex Regiment) for his initial training. On 1 Sep 1916 28th Battalion became 102 Battalion Training Reserve.
On 3 Apr 1917 he promoted to Lance Corporal Unpaid and on 10 May 1917 this was converted to paid rank. On 28 Jan 1918 he was transferred to 5th (Reserve) Battalion, Middlesex Regiment and on 23 Mar 1918 there was a further transfer to 6th Buffs (East Kent Regiment) and Edward was given a new service number G/14065. His Service Record does not provide a date for his arrival in France, but may have been in a draft of replacements after the 1st battle of the Somme (Apr 1918) and could have taken part in the Battle of the Lys (9 – 29 Apr 1918). On 1 Jul 1918 37 Brigade of 12 (Eastern) Division including 6th Buffs successfully attacked Bouzincourt but were driven back later by counter attacking enemy force, suffering 680 casualties. It was during this action that Edward was killed.
Additional Information
War Gratuity of £8 10s and arrears of £5 1s (d was paid to his father William.
Acknowledgments
Neil Cooper
Jonty Wild
