Edward was born in 1900 in Leeswood, Mold, Flintshire. He was the son of Willian and Eveline Peters of Queen Street Leeswood. The 1901 census places the family there. The head of the family, William was a 30 year old joiner. His wife Eveline was 26 and their children were listed as Gertrude 6, Violet 4, Edward O 1 and Violet 1 month ( There were not two Violets. The older of them should say Gladys)
The 1911 census finds the family still at the same address. William was still a joiner, aged 40. Eveline was 36 and four children were living at home and all scholars, Gladys 14, Edward Owen 12, Violet 10 and Emily 8. The form tells us that Eveline had given birth to 6 children and they were all still alive.
Edward’s Army Service Records exist and are accessible on www.ancestry.co.uk. There is a very indistinct letter dated 18th September 1917 from the Recruiting Medical Board which seems to be instructions following a tribunal, telling him to attend for medical inspection. (Had he appealed against conscription?)
That medical took place on 2nd October 1917. The report from that tells us that he had been a grocer’s assistant and that his preferred Service was The Royal Navy (obviously ignored). He was approved for service and declared medically fit.
He arrived in France on 4th April 1918. Was reported ‘missing in the field’ on 27th May 1918. He was taken prisoner on that same day and taken to the prisoner of war camp in Cassel in Niederzwahren. He was admitted to the camp hospital on 12, August 1918 suffering from diarrhoea. He died on 31st August 1918 from dysentry. He had no personal effects and had left no ‘last directions’.
One form tells us that his mother Eveline was awarded an allowance of 7/4d payable until 3rd February 1919. The records include communications with the father concerning receipt of medals and commemorative plaque and scroll.
Many thanks to Katrina Pipes, the Great Niece of Edward Owen Peters, who kindly shared the documents below with us.
