EDWARD MERCHANT
Photograph courtesy of Paul Botwright
TEDDY
Born: 1892, Lawford, Essex.
Died: 18th November 1916; age 24; KiA.
Edward was missing presumed killed. In September 1917, Edward’s family were officially notified that he was now reported killed in action on the 18th November.
Residence: 331, Woodbridge Road, Ipswich.
Occupation: Carpenter.
Date of Entry Therein: 27th July 1916.
Enlistment Details: Location: Ipswich; date: 12th December 1915; age: 24 years & 2 months. Signed up for the Duration of the War. Height: 5ft 4 1/2 ins.
Rank: Sapper; Service Number: 146316
Regiment: Royal Engineers, 82nd Field Coy.
Medals Awarded: Victory & British War.
The body was discovered and exhumed in 1921, and identified by a wooden cross marking the grave before reburial at Connaught Cemetery.
Grave Reference:
XI.F.5.
Thiepval,
France.
Relatives Notified & Address: Son of Mrs. J. Merchant, of 331, Woodbridge Road, Ipswich.
CENSUS
1901 Wignall Street, Lawford, Essex.
Edward was 9 years old and living with his parents & siblings.
George Merchant, 34, a Thrasher – Agricultural Labourer, born Ardleigh, Essex.
Julia Merchant (nee Youngs), 34, born Stowmarket, Suffolk.
Ada Merchant, 11, born Lawford.
George Samuel Merchant, 7, born Lawford.
Samuel Marchant, 5, born Lawford.
Walter Herbert Merchant, 1 week, born Lawford.
1911 Mill House, Playford, Suffolk.
Edward was 19 years old, a Bricklayer’s Labourer. He was living with his parents & siblings.
George, 44, a Carpenter & Thatcher.
Julia, 44.
Ada, 21, a General Domestic Servant.
George, 17, a Shepherd.
Charles Merchant, 10, born Lawford.
Lily Merchant, 8, born Lawford.
Dick Merchant, 4, born Lawford.
Fred Merchant, 2, born Playford, Suffolk.
On the 8th January 1918, Teddy’s personal property was sent to his mother at her home at 331, Woodbridge Road, Ipswich:
Disc, watch (broken), chain, razor, Testament, note cards, photos, air pillow.
On the 7th December 1921, Teddy’s father received his late son’s Victory & British War medals.
Soldiers’ Effects to Julia Merchant – mother.
Teddy is also remembered on the war memorial at St. John the Baptist Church, Ipswich.
Royal Engineers, 82nd Field Coy
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