Edgar Watson Stiles
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Edgar Watson Stiles was the second of four children born to Matthew Henry, a pharmaceutical Chemist, and his wife, Alice Stiles (née Hewett). He was born in 1881 at 2 Frenchgate, Doncaster. His siblings were Henry William born 1880, Alice born 1884 and Fred born 1885. Their mother died in 1889 age 39 in Doncaster. The family continued living at Frenchgate for over 20 years. Edgar attended the St Cuthberts College, Sparken Hill, Worksop between 1896 and 1899 and by 1911 was a practising solicitor at Berwick on Tweed and was the Sheriff there for two years. After the war his will was proven on 6 December 1918 at London leaving over two thousand pounds to his father.
Edgar joined the Northumberland Fusiliers in July 1915 and was given a commission. He initially served as a 2nd Lieutenant and was later promoted to Lieutenant. He went to France on the 7 March 1916 where he died of wounds and is buried in the Lapugnoy Military Cemetery B 18.
From the Doncaster Parish Church Magazine:The sympathy of the entire congregation will go out to Mr. Matthew Henry Stiles, our churchwarden, who, so shortly after his endeavour to put aside the cares of business, is called upon to suffer the loss of his son, Lieutenant Edgar ·watson Stiles, 7th Batt. Northumberland Fusiliers. Thirty six years of age, engaged to be married, and awaiting only his next leave home to consummate that event, the gallant officer was suddenly summoned to another sphere. For surely it can only be to another sphere of activity and usefulness. He himself was full of life and energy, bright, hearty, and cheerful, looking forward to the future and interested in all that tended to further ideals of true citizenship and true churchmanship ; which last two ideals are, or should be, coincident. To those who knew him best the future looked promising, his friends were many, and his kindly nature such that acquaintances were day by day being added, and many were developing into friends. After serving his articles in Doncaster and qualifying for his profession as a solicitor, Mr. E. W. Stiles laid the foundations of a successful practice at Berwick-on-Tweed, and as some proof of his adaptability had already acted twice as Sheriff of the City, a post equivalent to that of Deputy Mayor. After the outbreak of war he was instant in season and out of season in rallying recruits to the colours, and in 1915 he obtained his commission. Here his early training as an old Sergeant in the Territorials at Doncaster would stand him in good stead. In a little over two years he had been “somewhere in France,” and was ” mentioned ” comparaively recently in despatches. Until his recent fatal wounds he had come through with scarcely a scratch. Alas! how many homes have been plunged into similar sorrow; yet, surely, few of these will miss a sounder, saner life. Of him it may be said “He lived a clean life and he died a noble death” Could he have done more had he lived longer? May we all gain something of inspiration from his example.Supplement to the London Gazette 14 July 1915 – 7th Battalion Northumberland Fusiliers:- Edgar Watson Stiles to be 2nd Lieutenant . Dated 24 June 1915Record of Service of Solicitors Page 520 - EDGAR WATSON STILES.Admitted Jan. 1904, practised at Berwick-upon-Tweed. Joined July 1915, as 2nd Lieut., 7th Batt. Northumberland Fusiliers(T.F.), and afterwards promoted Lieut. Served latterly with 149th Trench Mortar Battery. Once mentioned in Dispatches. Served in France and Belgium. Died of wounds at St. Omer,France, April 13, 1918.
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