Edwin James Balls

A Driver with C Battery 295 Brigade, Edwin died on 24th of April 1918 at the age of 26. 

Edwin was born at Lowestoft in 1892, a son of Edith Elizabeth (Bessie) Monica Balls. In 1901 Edwin, and his mother, lodged at 31 Jacob's Street, Lowestoft. By 1909 Edwin's mother was living at The Union Workhouse, Oulton Broad.

Edwin served for four years with the 4th Battalion Suffolk Regiment (Territorial Force). He was working as a carter when he enlisted in the Army Service Corps, service number T/28442, at Great Yarmouth on 8 December 1909. He was posted to the Army Service Corps Depot at Aldershot. On 23 April 1910 Edwin was discharged for misconduct. 

In 1911 Edwin was lodging at 98 George Street, Great Yarmouth, and he worked as a herring fisherman.

In 1916 Edwin married Alice Hume at Cambridge. She lived at 85 Catherine Street, Cambridge.

Edwin enlisted in the Army at Great Yarmouth. He joined the Royal Field Artillery, and served with C Battery 295 Brigade in the 59th Division. His unit went to France in early 1917. In April 1918 295 Brigade were based at Douchy Les Ayette. The unit War Diary gives no indication of what may have happened to Edwin.