Edward Chell

Edward was the son of Herbert Charles and Betsy Chell (nee Cousans). Herbert Charles was born in Quorndon, Leicestershire, and Betsy in Lincoln in 1863 (J/F/M, Lincoln). They were married in Nottingham in 1883 (O/N/D); Betsy's name was given as Betsy Wells Cousans. Herbert completed the 1911 Census with the information that he and his wife had been married for 27 years and had had 15 children of whom only nine survived. Named on the census between 1891 and 1911 were: Eleanor (Ellen) b. 1895 (A/M/J), Lizzie b. 1887 (A/M/J), Charles Frederick (Frederick Charles) b. 1888 (J/A/S), Louisa b. 1889 (O/N/D), Edward b. 1892 (J/F/M), Thomas b. 1893 (O/N/D), Annie Betsy b. 1896 (J/F/M), Alice b. 1901 (J/F/M) and Kate b. 1903 (J/A/S). All the children were born in Nottingham and their births registered in Nottingham. In 1891 Herbert (26) and Betsy (28) were living at 5 Packers Yard, Nottingham, with their four children Eleanor (7), Lizzie (4), Frederick (2) and Louisa (1). By 1901 Herbert (36) a mechanic, and Betsy (38) a lace hand, were living at 200 Sherwood Street, Nottingham, in the ecclesiastical parish of Holy Trinity. In the home on the night of the census were their eight children Eleanor (17) and Lizzie (13) who were both lace hands, Frederick (12), Louisa (11), Edward (9), Thomas (7), Annie (5), Alice (3 months). By 1911 they were at 333 Alfred Street, Nottingham. Only seven of their children were still at home: Frederick Charles (22) a labourer/bricklayer, Louisa (21) a folder (printing), Edward (19) in the pot trade, Thomas (17) an apprentice printer, Annie (15) a lace hand and Alice (10) and Kate (7) who were still at school. Presumably Edward emigrated to Canada some time later and in February 1916 he volunteered for service in the Canadian Army. Eleanor had married John Henry Carlisle in 1910 (marriage registered J/F/M Nottingham). John (b. 5 November 1883, Nottingham) had joined the Royal Navy on 21 August 1901 (216336) and in 1911 was serving in HMS Bulldog, a torpedo boat destroyer in the 1st Destroyer Flotilla, which was at No. 1 Buoy, Shotley, Harwich, on the night of the 1911 Census. Eleanor was at 4 Eagle Terrace, Allison Rise, Nottingham; she was still working in the lace trade ('Brown Room'). Lizzie had probably married John Foulds in 1908 (marriage registered O/N/D Nottingham); the marriage register gives her name as Elizabeth Chell. Lizzie and John were living at 6 Pegg Street, Nottingham, in 1911. John (31, b. Ironville, Derbyshire) was a blacksmith's striker (locomotive department, railway company). He and Lizzie (24) had two children, Eleanor (1) and Thomas (under 5 months). Lizzie died aged 79 in 1967 (March Derby). Herbert Charles died in 1917 (December Nottingham) aged 53; he was buried on 6 November 1917. Two of Edward's brothers, Tom and Fred, also served in the war. Frederick may have served in the Army Service Corps 362 Coy (T4/086345 Private Frederick Charles Chell) having transferred from the Cheshire Regiment (63307). Edward's mother later lived at 337 Alfred Street, Nottingham (CWGC). Betsy Chell probably died in 1936 (December 1936, buried 1 January 1937) aged 74.

Enlisted Winnipeg, Canada.

Corporal Edward Chell, enlisted at Winnipeg, Canada, on 10th February 1916 and served with the Fort Garry Horse. He arrived in England on 5th May 1916. He was promoted to Corporal on 20th August 1916 and proceeded overseas on 13th September 1916 and arrived in the field on 14th September 1916. He was reported missing and later confirmed killed in action on 1st April 1918 and is buried in Moreuil Communal Cemetery Allied Extension. 'On the Morning of April 1st [1918] the Brigade was ordered to carry out a dismounted attack on Rifle Wood just North-East of Moreuil. The Fort Garry Horse detachment of 176 men led the Canadian Cavalry Brigade into the heavily defended wood. Losses were again heavy but the attack was successful. 121 prisoners and 13 machine guns were captured and turned against the enemy. The successful attacks on Moreuil and Rifle woods were credited with stopping the German advance on Amiens and saving the city.' (www.fortgarryhorse.ca/wp/roll-of-honour)

Nottingham Evening Post, ‘Roll of Honour, 4 September 1918: ‘Chell. Reported missing April 1st, now reported killed in action on that date, Edward Chell, Canadian Horse, the beloved son of Mrs and the late Mr H Chell, 337 Alfred-street, Nottingham. Loving memories left behind. From sorrowing mother, brothers Fred (Salonika), Tom (Baghdad).’(britishnewspaperarchive.co.uk) Nottingham Evening Post, ‘Roll of Honour, 4 September 1918: ‘Chell.Killed in action, April 1st. Edward Chell, Canadian Horse. Too dearly loved to be forgotten. From loving sisters and brothers.’ (britishnewspaperarchive.co.uk) 'The Roll of Honour for The Fort Garry Horse appears on a memorial panel inside McGregor Armoury, the Regiment’s Winnipeg home. The Memorial commemorates the men who have given their lives serving with The Fort Garry Horse in peace and war since the formation of the Regiment in 1912. Names are listed alphabetically with rank and date of death. The Memorial was dedicated on 12 November 1995.' (www.fortgarryhorse.ca/wp/roll-of-honour)