Personal Details
Born: 1891 in Burnley, Lancashire and baptised on 1 October 1891 at St. Matthew`s Church, Habergham Eaves, Burnley.
Family: He was the only child of Joseph H Edwards, a watchmaker and his wife Ellen. He married Frances Ann Warner 28 June 1916 in Whitchurch, Shropshire. The couple had a daughter, Gladys Mary, born in 1918 in Whitchurch.
Residence: At the time of his baptism in 1891, his family were living at 22 Gresham Place, Burnley, Lancashire. From at least 1901 until 1911 their address was 24 Pepper Street, Whitchurch, Shropshire. His military records for 1915 had an address of 4 Deermoss Lane, Whitchurch for him. This was still where he was living in 1919 according to the Absent Voters` List.
Employment: In 1911 he was a grocer`s assistant.
Died: Not known
Military Details
Regiment: Monmouthshire Regiment (previously King`s Shropshire Light Infantry)
Rank: Private
Service Number: 47466 (previously 29965)
Date of Enlistment: 8 December 1915
Date of Discharge: 29 April 1919
Reason for Discharge: Demobilisation
John was awarded the Campaign Medals (British war medal and Victory medal)
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.