Despite our best efforts we have been unable to find any information about the personal or military life of Harold Edwards. We do know that he was commemorated after the war on the East Wickham War Memorial. His address was stated in the War Memorial Committee minutes as 36 Granville Road, Welling. His name was also included on the memorial tablet placed in the Memorial Hall in 1930.
As he was on the original memorial, his name was added to the East Wickham and Welling War Memorial in 1996.
If you have any further information about Harold Edwards, please do get in touch.
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We’ve taken another look at Harold’s story, and this is what we’ve found;
From the 1901 Census we see that Harold is 10, born in Barming, Kent – the family were now living in Charlton.
From the 1921 Census we can confirm that the Edwards family were definitely living in Welling.
Back to Harold, we have found a Royal Marines record which we think refers to his discharge from the service with the word ‘Run’ – implying that he deserted or went absent without leave…
Further research indicates “On 4th May 1910 he was a deserter in Fremantle in Western Australia from HMS Encounter” – but from there we lose track of him, so the mystery remains about how and why his name appeared on our local war memorial…
If anyone can throw more light on this story please let us know.
Commemorated
This story has been researched by volunteers. We have taken every effort to ensure its accuracy. If you are related to Harold Edwards, or if you have any further information, please do get in touch.