Lawton Edisbury Edwards (his forename is spelled as ‘Lawson’ on the Gates – Edisbury was his mother’s maiden name) was born at Oswestry in 1893. His father and mother were Thomas and Elizabeth Edwards – this was his father’s second marriage, all told there were 7 children, 5 of whom were from his current marriage. John, Lucy, William, Mary, Walter and Frank. The family home was Llys House, Middleton Road (off Wilfred Owen Close, Oswestry) where his father was a farmer. Lawson and his brothers also worked on the farm. They were a well-to-do family having 3 house servants and, for the children’s early education, a governess – Lawton would also attend Welshpool County School.

Lawton volunteered soon after the outbreak of war and enlisted at Shrewsbury on 5 October 1914 joining the Shropshire Yeomanry (Private 2032). On 20 September 1916 he was transferred over to 4 Bn Cheshire Regiment (Private 49866) and then about a month later to 13 Bn Cheshire Regiment (Wirral Pals). He went over to France on 30 October 1916 – joining them in the field 1 November 1916.

He fell in action on 1 February 1917 at Ploegsteert, Ypres. His obituary describes him as ‘of a genial disposition and very popular with all those who had the pleasure of his acquaintance’. He was buried the following day at Berks Communal Cemetery Extension. He is also commemorated n the war memorial at Holy Trinity Church, Oswestry.

Acknowledgements.

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