Pte 56519 James Edwards

• Age: 31
• From: Burnley, Lancs
• Regiment: The King's (Liverpool Regiment) 20th Btn
• D.O.W Saturday 9th June 1917
• Commemorated at: Brandhoek Mil Cem
  Panel Ref: I.E.17

James Edwards was born in 1886 in Burnley the son of George and Margaret Edwards.

The 1891 Census shows the family are living at Hart Street, Burnley. James is 5 years of age and is living with his parents and two siblings. His father, George is a joiner born in Burnley in 1857 whilst his mother Margaret was born in Burnley in 1855. His elder brother, William R. was born in Burnley in 1880, whilst his younger sister, Laura, was born in 1890 also in Burnley.

By 1901 his mother is a widow and living with her three children at 18 Castle Street, Burnley. James is 15 and is working as a warehouseman for a drugs company. His mother is working as a Cotton Weaver as is his elder brother William R. His sister, Laura, is 11 years of age.     

James is still living at 18 Castle Street with his mother and sister on the 1911 Census. He is now 25 and is single and employed as a clerk with wholesale druggist. His mother does not have an occupation listed but his sister is now working as a Cotton Weaver. 

James married Sarah Redman in Burnley in the first quarter of 1915.

He was originally serving in the East Lancashire Regiment as Private 27242 but following a transfer he was serving with the 20th Battalion, The King’s Liverpool Regiment as Private  56519 when he died of wounds on the 09th June 1917.

His death was reported in the local press:

JUST JOINED A YEAR

Burnley Clerk Killed

The third member of staff of Messrs. Parkinson and Sons, wholesale druggists, to make the supreme sacrifice is Private James Edwards, who had been a clerk with them for over 15 years. News of his death has been received by his widow who resides at 68 Glenview Road. He joined the army on June 7th last and had therefore been in 2-days over the 12 months when he was killed, his death taking place on June 9. He had since been out early in October. Originally he joined the East Lancashires but was transferred to the Kings Liverpool Regiment. Private James Edwards, who was highly esteemed by the proprietors and the staff, and was on the roll of honour for the Stoneyholme Wesleyan School, and was 31 years of age and leaves a widow but no family and his mother is living. The following letter has been received from the Rev J. E. Alfred Betner, nonconformist Chaplain:-

"June 9th 1917 Dear Mrs Edwards, it is with deep sorrow I have to tell you your husband, Private J. Edwards (56519) King's Liverpool Regiment, was wounded in the right hand and leg this morning and passed peacefully away in the 4th London Field Ambulance BEF this morning. His condition was very serious and he was unable to speak owing to his exhausted condition from pain and shock. I laid him to rest in the military cemetery and I assure you of my heartiest sympathy in this most searching hour. I do indeed trust that you and your loved ones will find abiding comfort and help from the all loving Father. It is hard to part but you may be justly proud of your loved ones sacrifice. It is my sad privilege to write many such letters - it is by no means easy." 

He now rests at Brandhoek Military Cemetery, Belgium.

During the First World War, Brandhoek was within the area comparatively safe from shell fire which extended beyond Vlamertinghe Church. Field ambulances were posted there continuously and the Military Cemetery was opened early in May 1915 in a field adjoining the dressing station. It closed in July 1917 when the New Military Cemetery was opened nearby, to be followed by the New Military Cemetery No 3 in August 1917. Brandhoek Military Cemetery now contains 669 First World War burials. The cemetery was designed by Sir Reginald Blomfield.

Soldiers Effects to widow Sarah

We currently have no further information on James Edwards. If you have or know someone who may be able to add to the history of this soldier, please contact us.

Grateful thanks  are extended to Burnley in the Great War website for permission to use the photograph of James now on this site.