John William Edwards

Worksop Guardian 22 October 1915 “That the men who have gone from this town and district to fight against the enemy have played a gallant part is obvious from the number of killed and wounded. Worksop’s Roll of Honour is already a long one and it is, alas! being added to. And whilst we think with pride of responses which has been made and of the brave stand our lads have made when called upon to meet the foe, we think with sorrow of those at home who mourn the dead. It is only those who suffer the loss of a beloved one who rightly estimate the sacrifice. News was received on Saturday of the death in action of Pte. John William Edwards, son of Mr James Edward, 16 John Street, Worksop, a respected employee of the Shireoaks Colliery Company. The announcement was contained in the following letter, addressed to Mr Edwards by the Brigade Chaplain:- “ My Dear Sir, I am sorry to tell you the bad news about your son, Pte. J Edwards. He was doing his duty in difficult and dangerous circumstances, and with one or two of his comrades, death overtook them suddenly in a mine. His body was recovered and it was my sad lot to read the Burial Service over him. He has been buried in a quiet spot with others who have laid down their lives for their country. I pray that you and all that were dear to him, may be comforted in this time of sorrow. A cross is being prepared and will be inscribed and put at the head of his grave. May God hear our prayers for you and for the good of the country for which he died. Sincerely yours, Leonard Jeeves (Rev) Chaplain to the 8 th Brigade, BEF.” Pte Edwards was only 18 years of age, and like his father worked at Shireoaks Colliery. When the call for men came, he several times endeavoured to enlist. At first he was rejected because of his small stature … But he was determined to do his bit, and at last he was accepted for the Sherwood Foresters. This was in January last. Later he was transferred to the 1st Cheshires and subsequently to the Royal Engineers and it was whilst at work with them that he met his death. A young and brave soldier, he has died for his country. He had been in France since the beginning of August. Great sympathy is felt for his father, Mr Edwards, who is unwell, and his sisters and brothers. He was the eldest boy and a lad everybody liked. Only a few days before the receipt of the Chaplain’s letter, he had written expressing the hope that he would be at home for Christmas. Poor lad, it is something to know that he received a Christian burial”.

Cemetery:- Dozinghem Military Cemetery. Research by Colin Dannatt