Fred Ede

Fred Ede probably joined the 9th battalion as a replacement on Gallipoli. He won a DCM for action on 28 November 1915. London Gazette - 15/3/1916 - Ede, Fred, Acting Sergeant, 12270, 9th battalion Sherwood Foresters; For conspicuous gallantry at Suvla (Gallipoli Peninsula), on 28th November 1915. He was covering a party to men wiring when he saw two Turkish snipers close in front. He charged them at once, bayoneted one, and brought in the other as a prisoner. The latter was fully armed and his magazine charged. Killed in action 26/9/1916. On 27th November 1915 there was a 'the great gale' The battalion was in support at the time. A heavy SW gale brought a thunderstorm accompanied by torrents of rain, which lasted for 24 hours. Trenches an dugouts were flooded and men were washed away by the torrents. Others died of exposure when snow followed the torrents of water. It was in these conditions that Fred as part of the covering party won his DCM. He was killed in action during 'The Battle of Thiepval 26th to 29th September 1916. John Morse

Sergeant Ede D.C.M. Retford Retford Times 10th November 1916. 'Another Retford man has laid down his life for King and country. This is Sergt Fred Ede, of the Sherwood Foresters, youngest son of Mrs Ede 59 Wharton Street, Retford. She first received the sad news from Sergt Palmer, of the same regiment, formerly a Retford postman, who called upon her whilst on leave three weeks ago. He went into action at the same time as Sergt Ede was mortally wounded and they were close friends. On the day Sergt Palmer's visit to Mrs Ede her son was 32 years of age. The deceased soldier was a member of the Notts Constabulary Force at Mansfield and joined the Army in the autumn of 1914. He served in the Dardenelles, and was then transferred to France. His last letter home was written on the day previous to his death. He won the D.C.M. at the Dardenelles. Mrs Ede has received the following letter from Lieut S H Piper :- " Tonight a parcel addressed to Sergt Ede of this battalion , was brought to me, and it occurred to me that you would like to hear from one of his officers. I very much regret that sert Ede was killed in action on Sept 26th after taking a very gallant part in the advance of the day. I was not with the company that day, but Sergt Ede was an original member of my platoon No 7 of B Company, and received his promotion to to lance corporal and corporal with me. We were together in the action of August 9th last year at Sulva , where he rendered invaluable service to his regiment. When I re joined the the regiment in October last year he was again with me, this time in A company and was my best and most reliable N.C.O. at that time there were few officers with the company and in consequence a great deal of responsibility fell on his shoulders. which he always justified. His D.C.M. was one of the most deserved decorations awarded. In this last action he died like a brave man, after performing most valuable work during the attack he was killed in a hand to hand fight with two Germans both of whom he killed himself. He is a great loss to his company and his regiment but he has left behind him a record of splendid work and sterling character, which will never be forgotten by any soldier who served with him. The parcel I have issued to his comrades who survived the fight and are still with us in accordance with his wishes. I wish I could have been writing a tribute to him when he was returning at the close of the war, but he died a glorious death as befitted the brave man he was . '