Edward Evan Lloyd was born in 1889 at Whittington, Shropshire. His father was Evan Lloyd; his mother was named Mary. All told there were 9 children with 7 surviving into adulthood. In 1891 Evan was working as a signal man on the railway but by 1901 had moved to Oswestry and was working at the gas works. They lived at 3 Oswald Row, before moving down to 7 Oswald Row. They would later move to 7 Orchard Street. Edward worked as a coalman, employed by Messrs Williams & Wilson coal merchants in Oswestry. In early 1914 Edward married Mary A Hanratty and they went to live at 12 Rope Walk in Oswestry. They would have a child.

Edward’s medal records record him as in the Special Reserves – it is probable he had joined the Special Reserves (or Territorial) in 1908 when the 2 forces were newly implemented and when he would be turning 18. His medals, and absence of 1915 Star, point to him not going over to France until at least 1916. He was KIA on 27 April 1917. At the time of his death the battalion was coming to the end of a 5 day tour in the front line in trenches north of Hulloch. The time had been quiet; however, during the morning of 27 April the enemy began heavy shelling on the battalion’s position. The battalion war diary does not list any casualties for this tour but it is probable Edward was hit and killed during this bombardment. He is buried in Vermelles British Cemetery. He is also remembered on the war memorial at Holy Trinity Church, Oswestry.

Acknowledgements.

References and Sources

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