John Henry Edgson

John Henry Edgson was born in 1880 he was the son of George a farm labourer and his first wife Hannah Edgson née Knifton. George was born in 1857 at Smalley, Hannah Knifton was born in 1856 at Kilburn she died in 1885 aged 29 yrs they were married on 19th July 1874 at Belper, they had 3 children. John Henry married Annie, née Trolley(born 12th March 1871 ) they were married on 11th September 1909 at Mansfield. they had a child Florence Adelene born 12th April 1912. Annie had previously married James Scott in 1893 and had had 5 children by him, Edith, Arthur, Alfred, Lillian and James. She had been widowed in 1906, just before the birth of their youngest child, James. John Henry and Annie lived at 54 Ashleigh, Moor Street, Mansfield, in the 1911 census the family were living at Mansfield John Henry 32 yrs was a coal miner he was living with his wife Annie 40 yrs and her 4 children and their daughter Florence Adeline 11 months.

Coal Miner

53 Lord Street Mansfield.

Sergeant John Henry Edgson enlisted 11th November 1914 at Mansfield, giving his age as 35 yrs and 78 days, he was a coal miner, his next of kin was his wife Annie he had previously served with the King's Royal Rifles for 12 yrs and and was discharged as time expired. He was posted to the Kings Royal Rifles and promoted to lance corporal on 11th December 1914 and to corporal 16th March 1915 and to sergeant on 17th December 1915. He landed in France on 7th December 1915 and was awarded the Military Medal on 7th August 1917. Initially reported as missing on 21st March 1918 he was later confirmed as killed in action. Having no known grave his name is commemorated on the Pozieres Memorial.