Edward John Griffiths was born in 1896 in Tilstock. He was recorded in the census of 1901 living in Holliers Lane, Haighton, Whitchurch, Salop with his family. Head of the household was Edwin Griffiths, a 44 year old self employed farmer. Edwin’s wife was Harriet aged 42. Their listed children were Harry who was 16 and a Railway Porter and twins Edward John and Ida who were 5 years old.

The next census of 1911 records the family  at Rhostre, Horseman’s Green, Haighton, Whitchurch. Edwin was then 54 and still a self employed farmer. His wife of 32 years was 52. She had given birth to 5 children, 4 of whom were still living. Listed in the household were   daughter Sarah Ellen who was 27 – She did Dairy Work. Ida was 15 and she did domestic work at home. Edward John was 15 and was a farmer’s son working at home.

www.ancestry.co.uk holds Edward’s medal index card, which lists his three medals. It also tells us his first Theatre of War was France and that he entered it on the 19th July 1915. He was killed in action on the 23rd August 1916.

UK Soldiers who Died in The Great War 1914 -19 also on ancestry, confirms all the military details as above left. It adds that he enlisted in Wrexham and this source tells us he was’ killed in action’.

The UK Register of Soldier’s Effects in which the army calculated what moneys were owed to deceased soldiers includes an entry for Edward. His mother Harriet received a total of £13 .. 7sh .. 2d in two separate payments after the war.