Edward John Nichols

An Air Mechanic 2nd Class serving with 58 Reserve Squadron, Royal Flying Corps, at the Base at Suez, Edward died from accidental injuries on 7th of May 1917 at the age of 20. 

Edward was born at Thorpe Hamlet, Norwich, on 10 November 1896, a son of Edward Charles and Mary Ann Nichols. He was baptised at Thorpe Hamlet on 26 May 1897 and his family lived at Carrow Road, Norwich. In 1901 his family lived at Chaney Lane, Tacolneston, and by 1911 at 79 Rotterdam Road, Lowestoft.

Edward was an engineer's apprentice, living at 79 Rotterdam Road, when he attested for the 3rd (East Anglian) Howitzer Battery, Royal Field Artillery (Territorial Force), at Lowestoft on 15 July 1912, service number 708. He was embodied for service on 5 August 1914. He served in France from 16 November 1915 and, on 1 March 1916, arrived in Egypt. Later his number became 885122. 

Edward was transferred to the 58th Reserve Squadron, Royal Flying Corps, service number 78321. 

Edward was in his hut when, on 5 June 1917, and aeroplane crashed into the hut and Edward was injured. He died from his injuries at hospital in Suez (as noted in the Army Register of Soldiers' Effects).

Note: Edward has two different entries in Commonwealth War Graves records, one for the Jerusalem Memorial and one for the Suez Memorial. The confusion arises because he is shown in various records with his two different service numbers.