Edward William Wales

A Private with the 9th Battalion, Edward died on 7th of June 1917 at the age of 25. 

Edward was born at Lowestoft in 1891, a son of Frederick Woolnough and Emily Grace Wales. He was baptised at Saint John’s Church, Lowestoft, on 6 December 1891, and his family lived at 15 Clapham Road, and this was still their home in 1911 when Edward worked as a furnisher’s assistant. 

Edward enlisted in the Army at Great Yarmouth. He joined the Norfolk Regiment, service number 9113 and was posted to the 9th Battalion in France. Edward was transferred to the Royal Dublin Fusiliers, service number 40620, and joined the 9th Battalion. 

On 6 June 1917 the 9th Royal Dublin Fusiliers moved into positions in readiness for their assault as part of the Battle of Messines Ridge. En route they were bombarded with gas shells. On arrival they dug in to lie in support of 47 Brigade. At zero hour, 3.10 a.m., the mine at St. Eloi was exploded and the barrage began. The battalion held their positions and were intermittently shelled by the enemy. At 12.30 p.m. the advanced in artillery formation. By 1.30 p.m. B and C Companies were in the front line and C and D Companies, and battalion headquarters, were at Torreken Farm. They began consolidation work covered by their Lewis gun teams. During the night the units of 33 Division passed through the 9th Battalion’s positions. 

The battalion’s casualties for 7 June were:
Officers: nil
Other ranks: six killed, 26 wounded, 9 missing

Edward was killed in action on 7 June.