Edward Lyndom (on the Gates his name is spelt as Lyndom, his name is also spelt Lyndon) was born at Oswestry in 1887 and baptised in the Congregational Church on 20 March. He was the youngest son, of 5 children, of Robert and Mary Ann (nee Still) Lyndon. His father was a currier or leather dresser, working in Oswestry’s tanning industry – he was also the Colour Sergeant in the Shropshire Yeomanry, Oswestry Squadron. The family lived at  Coney Green, 103 Willow Street and later at 1 Signal Terrace, Albert Road. Edward had 3 brothers, Thomas (1875-1879) Robert (1878-1894) and Louis (1884) and 2 sisters, Lizzie (1880) and Margaret (1885-1915). Their father died in 1902 and their mother in 1910, they are buried in Oswestry Cemetery, (Grave B 108). In 1911 Margaret who was described on the census forms as Imbecile or feeble minded was living at 6 Signal Terrace with Lizzie who was now married to Walter Roberts, they had 4 children and 2 nieces with them

Edward married Rose Anna Richards (also known as Rosehannah) in 1911 in Oswestry. They had two children, Florence born at the end of 1911 and Robert born in 1914. No 1911 Census can be found for either Edward or Rose but in 1939 Rose was living in Woodside with her son Robert who was a bus conductor. It is not known what work Edward did. Before the war he served in the Territorial Force in 1/4 Bn KSLI and was awarded the Territorial Forces Medal. It seems he went to the Far East with 1/4 Bn KSLI but had returned to the UK in February 1916 – possibly he was ill. On return he spent time at the Base Depot and was then posted to 175 Tunnel Company. He then spent another spell at the Base Depot, possibly he had been wounded, before being posted to 5 Bn KSLI. Finally, when the 5 Bn was disbanded in February 1918, he moved to 7 Bn KSLI.

Edward was died of wounds on 29 March 1918 during Operation Michael, Kaiser Offensive. At that time 7 Bn KSLI were in action at Heninel, Arras. It is not known when he was wounded, he was buried on the battlefield, his grave marked with a cross, suggesting he died not long after having been wounded and before he could be evacuated. After the Armistice Edward was re-interred at Dury Crucifix Cemetery. He is also commemorated at Holy Trinity Church, Oswestry.

Edward’s brother, Louis, also served. He was in 2 Bn Manchester Regiment and was wounded in December 1914. Louis worked first at the Advertizer and later on the Cambrian Railways. He was the goalkeeper for Oswestry United Football Club. Louis married Mary Georgina and they had 2 children before her death. Louis married again on 26 November 1910 Emily Gladwell in Oldham. They lived at 18 Brunswick Street, Oldham with 2 children Jack b1911 and Ivy b1912. Louis working as an electric car (tram) conductor.

Acknowledgements.

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