Benjamin Edwards

He was the son of Levi and Comfort Edwards. In 1901 the family lived at 93 Poolsbrook Staveley and in 1911 at 6 Charles Street Pleasant Hill Mansfield.

Benjamin Edwards, enlisted on or near to the 25 August 1914 and after training went with the battalion to Gallipoli. Entry into theatre - (2b Mediterranean) was listed as 13 July 1915 and on 20 July Benjamin made a soldier's will leaving everything to his father Levi of 17 Linden Street, Mansfield, Nottinghamshire. Benjamin survived the fighting on Gallipoli and after six months in Egypt, he moved with the battalion to France. At some point he was transferred to the 13th Battalion Royal Irish Rifles with the number 13/43164, along with a number of other 9th Battalion men. It is possible it was in August 1916 when large numbers of men were sent to bolster regiments which had fought on the Somme in July. On 17 August 1917, the 13th Battalion Royal Irish Rifles took part in the Battle of Langemarck. Some of the troops could be seen attacking the blockhouse Gallipoli and a few made it to the green line but it was impossible to hold and by 10 am the men were back at the starting point. At some stage in this attack, Benjamin was killed and he has no known grave. He is commemorated on the Tyne Cot Memorial. John Morse