Edward was born in 1885. He appears on the 1891 census living in Gwernymynydd, Mold with his family. The head of the household was lead miner Stephen Wynne who was 50. His wife was Sarah, 40 and their listed children were Edith 12 and Edward Ll who was 8.  (NB. Sarah’s age on this census does not match subsequent censuses and Edward was probably younger than 8).

The 1901 census lists Edward  aged 17 a labourer in a lead mines living in Siglen Isaf, Gwernymynydd, Mold with his parents –  father Stephen was 60 , a lead miner and  mother Sarah also 60. Edward’s older sister Edith P was single, aged 22 and a dressmaker also living at home. The family spoke Welsh and English.

By the 1911 census, Edward was 26 and was recorded at the same home with his parents who were then 70. Edward’s occupation was  ‘Engine Driver’.

UK Soldiers who Died in The Great war 1914 -19 accessible on www.ancestry.co.uk, confirms the regimental details above and says that he enlisted in Mold. His medal card, also on ‘Ancestry’, details his medals, states that he was killed in action between the 9th and the 12th July 1916 and tells us that his first Theatre of war was France and he entered it on the 4th December 1915.

Edward’s Army Service Records have survived and are available on ‘Ancestry’. He signed his Attestation Forms on the 25th February 1915 at Llandudno.  He was  30 years and 2 months old and single. His occupation was detailed as ‘pit man’. He named his father as his next of kin. His army records tell us that he embarked from Southampton on 4th Dec 1915 for France and that he was killed in action ‘in the field’ between the 9th and the 12th July 1916. There is correspondence in the records between the army and Edward’s father Stephen, concerning the receipt of his medals and a scroll and commemorative plaque. There is also the following handwritten letter to the army from a John Jones who, it seems was enquiring on behalf of the family.

Ffrith Cottage,

Gwernymynydd,

Mold

Sir,

Would you be so kind as to inform us if Pte E L Wynne B Company, 17th Battalion, R. W. Fus is a casualty and if he is wounded and what hospital he is in as we have heard he has fallen in France between the 5th and 15th July.

We have not had any official news from the War Office but letters here from France say he has fallen.

I am very much oblige if you can give any news concerning him,

I am

yours ******? 

John Jones

(There is a note in the records to say that a reply was sent)

UK register of Soldier’s Effects in which the army calculated what moneys were owed to deceased soldiers, includes an entry for Edward Lloyd Wynne which tells us that his Father Stephen received two payments which added up to a total of £9.

The army required that a ‘Living relatives form’ be completed in 1919. It listed his father Stephen and mother Sarah Wynne. Three full blood sisters were recorded but it’s really difficult to read.  I think it lists Mary E Wynne aged 55 who was in Mostyn. Jane Williams was 51 and in Gwernymynydd and Edith Wynne was 40 and possibly living on Gwsaney Estate near Mold (especially difficult to read). One full blood brother Allan Wynne was 43 and in Mold.

The England and Wales National Probate Calendar of Wills and Administration has the following entry.

Wynne Edward Lloyd of Siglen Isa, Gwernymynydd, Mold, Flintshire a Private in the 17th Battalion, Royal Welsh Fusiliers died 10th July 1916 in France. Administration (with Will) St Asaph  31st October to Stephen Wynne miner (retired) Effects £152..12s..9d

He is also named on the Gwernymynydd Memorial. (Mold Rural)