Name
Gilbert Thomas (Leonard) Edwards
Conflict
First World War
Date of Death / Age
23/10/1919
20
Rank, Service Number & Service Details
Private
13970
East Surrey Regiment
1st Bn.
Awards: Service Medals/Honour Awards
British War and Victory medals
Cemetery/Memorial: Name/Reference/Country
WATFORD CEMETERY
Plot E, Row 2, Grave 138.
United Kingdom
Headstone Inscription
Not Researched
UK & Other Memorials
Watford Borough Roll of Honour
Pre War
Son of William John and Emma Jane (nee AYRES/AYERS) EDWARDS of Watford.
His parents married 9 April 1887 at St Mary the Virgin, Long Crendon, Bucks. William died 1940 in Watford aged 71, and was buried 12 March in Vicarage Road Cemetery; Emma died 1949 in Watford aged 83, and was buried 7 December, also in Vicarage Road Cemetery.
Leonard was born 27 January 1899 in Long Crendon, and resided in Thame, Bucks. He was buried 27 October.
On the 1901 Census, aged 3 he lived in Long Crendon, with his parents and five siblings. On the 1911 Census, at school aged 13, he lived in Watford, with his parents and nine siblings.
Wartime Service
He originally enlisted in London 4 January 1916 into the Royal Marines, ‘E’ Company, No. CH/20437: a compositor aged 17, 5’3″ tall, unmarried, Baptist, his next-of-kin his father of Watford. He was discharged as medically unfit 17 March 1917. He next attested for Short Service in Watford 23 June 1919: a motor driver aged 20, 5’4″ tall, Baptist, with previous service in the Royal Marine Light Infantry. He was admitted to hospital 19 October 1919, then transferred to the City Hospital, Edinburgh, 20 October 1919, where he died of scarlet fever and broncho-pneumonia. His body was claimed bu his mother of Watford, and at her request the body is being sent home for burial. He was entitled to the Victory and British War medals.
Additional Information
INSCRIPTION: "ASLEEP TILL THE DAY BREAK. ALSO BROTHER GEORGE HUSBAND OF LILL SUDDENLY 11TH OCTOBER 1962"
Acknowledgments
Sue Carter (Research) and Watford Museum (ROH on line via www.ourwatfordhistory.org.uk)
