John Edwards

Royal Engineers

Personal Details

Born: 4 December 1883 in Whitchurch, Shropshire and baptised 19 December 1883 at St. Alkmund`s Parish Church, Whitchurch.

Family: He was one of six surviving children born to Arthur Edwards, a railway labourer and his wife Harriet. No marriage can be found for John.

Residence: From the time of his baptism in 1883 until 1891 his family were living in Waymills, Whitchurch. In 1911 he was a boarder living at 36, Bargates, Whitchurch,this continued to be his address until at least 1939.

Employment: From 1904 until the time of his Attestation he was working as a platelayer for the London & North Western Railway. In 1939 his occupation was a lengthman with the railway engineering maintenance staff.

Died: Not known

Military Details

Regiment: Royal Engineers

Rank: Sapper

Service Number: 210112  (previously WR261544)

Date of Enlistment: 6 February 1916

Date of Discharge: 17 November 1919

Reason for Discharge: Demobilisation

Other Information: John`s brother, Thomas, also served in WW1.

Medals and Awards

John was awarded the Campaign Medals (British War and Victory medals)


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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