Edgar Henry Lomas

Labour Corps

Personal Details

Born: 30 May 1883 at Stretton, near Malpas, Cheshire and was baptised 1 July 1883 at the Wesleyan Methodist Chapel, Whitchurch.

Family: He was the first of eight children born to Nathan Lomas, a draper and grocer, and his wife Elizabeth, nee Carr. He married Winifred T. B. Morgan at Whitchurch Baptist Church on 28 December 1916. No children can be found from this marriage. Winifred died in 1939 and Edgar married Evelyn B. Lansley on 25 June 1942 at St. John`s Methodist Church, Whitchurch, Shropshire. The couple had a daughter, Frances Evelyn, born in 1942.

Residence: In 1891 Edgar`s family were living in Long Lane, Tilston, Cheshire but by 1901 Edgar was living with his uncle at 5 Tarporley Road, Whitchurch. Ten years later he was a boarder at Wayland Villa, 8 Waymills, Whitchurch. The 1939 Register showed him at Fern View, Prees Heath, however by the time of his death his home was The Round House, Tilstock, Shropshire.

Employment: In 1901 his occupation was described as a groom but some ten years later he appears to have been a gatekeeper at an engineering works. In 1939 he was a cheese factor`s salesman.

Died: 7 January 1954 in Whitchurch, aged 70.

Military Details

Regiment: Labour Corps (previously The King’s (Liverpool Regiment))

Rank: Corporal

Service Number: 45819 (previously 70207)

Date of Enlistment: Not known

Date of Discharge: Not known

Reason for Discharge: Not known

Medals and Awards

Edgar was awarded the Campaign Medals (British War Medal, and Victory Medal)


Campaign Medals

Great War History Hub Whitchurch Shropshire Medals Front Image

The British War Medal (also known as 'Squeak') was a silver or bronze medal awarded to officers and men of the British and Imperial Forces who either entered a theatre of war or entered service overseas between 5th August 1914 and 11th November 1918 inclusive. This was later extended to services in Russia, Siberia and some other areas in 1919 and 1920. Approximately 6.5 million British War Medals were issued. Approximately 6.4 million of these were the silver versions of this medal. Around 110,000 of a bronze version were issued mainly to Chinese, Maltese and Indian Labour Corps. The front (obv or obverse) of the medal depicts the head of George V. The recipient's service number, rank, name and unit was impressed on the rim.

The Allied Victory Medal (also known as 'Wilfred') was issued by each of the allies. It was decided that each of the allies should each issue their own bronze victory medal with a similar design, similar equivalent wording and identical ribbon. The British medal was designed by W. McMillan. The front depicts a winged classical figure representing victory. Approximately 5.7 million victory medals were issued. Interestingly, eligibility for this medal was more restrictive and not everyone who received the British War Medal ('Squeak') also received the Victory Medal ('Wilfred'). However, in general, all recipients of 'Wilfred' also received 'Squeak' and all recipients of The 1914 Star or The 1914/1915 Star (also known as 'Pip') also received both 'Squeak' and 'Wilfred'. The recipient's service number, rank, name and unit was impressed on the rim.



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