Edward William Cannell

A Private with 1/15th Bn., Edward died on 7th of October 1916 at the age of 23. 

Edward was born at Lowestoft in 1883, a son of Edward William and Laura Cannell. throughout his life Edward's family lived at 257 Raglan Street, Lowestoft.

Edward was baptised at Saint Margaret's Church, Lowestoft, on 17 July 1895. 

By 1901 Edward was working as a grocer's assistant. In 1911 Edward was an assistant to William Hughes, Master Grocer, and living at Mr. Hughes' premises at 49 Hugh Road, North Finchley.  

Edward enlisted in the Army at North Finchley. He joined the 15th London Regiment, number 6288. He arrived in France on 23 July 1916 and joined the 1/15th Battalion. 

On 7 October 1916 the Battalion were at Eaucourt L'Abbe. The War Diary has:

Attack on the Warlencourt Line by 140 Brigade at 1.30 p.m. Attack unsuccessful. Battalion badly cut up. The remnants of the Battalion under Captain Bates dig themselves in in an advanced position on the right of the Brigade astride the Eaucourt L'Abbe - Le Barque Road. Casualties:
Officers: Killed 1, Wounded 4, Missing 1
Other Ranks: Killed 22, Wounded 257, Missing 65

Edward was reported missing on 7 October. As there was the possibility he was still alive he was renumbered as 533125, for administrative purposes. In August 1917 it was concluded that he must be presumed to have died on 7 October.