Victor Theodore Edwards

Born: 23 June 1891

Died: 5 July 1916

Rank and Regiment: Private 40876 in the 7th Battalion of the Norfolk Regiment (formerly Private G35564 of the Queen’s Regiment and Private 66631 of the Labour Corps)

Resting Place: body unrecovered

Memorials: Thiepval Memorial Pier, France - Face 6A and 7C

Victor was born on 23th June 1891 and was baptised that same year on 6th July. He was born to parents, William and Emma Edwards. In 1901, William listed his occupation on the census as “higgler” otherwise known as travelling salesmen. Also on the census, we can see that Victor had 5 siblings. His older brothers, William (aged 21) and Charles (aged 17), were both agricultural labourers. Meanwhile Edith (aged 13), Laura (aged 12), Victor (aged 9) and Bertie (aged 7) all attended the local school.

In 1911, William Snr. had changed career and was now employed as a butcher. The elder siblings had all moved on, leaving Victor and Bertie still at home and employed as agricultural labourers.

Most of Victor’s service records still survive thus we know he enlisted in Norwich on 29th March 1915. He was 24 years old and stood at a very healthy 5ft. 8.75 inches. The next day, he began his career and was posted to training with the Norfolk Regiment. He was first allocated to the 3rd Battalion but was later transferred to the 8th Battalion of the Border Regiment on 9th November 1915.

Following the completion of his training, on 19th December 1915, he embarked on HMS Onward from Folkestone arriving in Etaples on 20th. He joined his battalion on 3rd January 1916. Less than 6 months later he was reported missing in action, presumed dead, on 5th July 1916, in the early stages of the Battle of the Somme. His body was never recovered but he is commemorated on Thiepval Memorial Pier in France.

His personal property and effects were left to his father. His parents, William, Charles, Bertie, Emma and Laura all remained in Norfolk. Meanwhile, Walter moved to Bedfordshire, Edith to Teddington and interestingly, Bertha emigrated to India.

Thiepval Memorial, France