Another Peterboro' Boy Lays Down his Life at the Front

Another Peterboro' Boy Lays Down his Life at the Front

Credit: Peterborough Examiner, 2 May 1916

Another Peterborough boy has given his life for the Empire in the great struggle in Europe. This morning J.W. Edwards, 485 Sherbrooke Street, received the sad news that her son, Corp. Herbert Simon Wesley Edwards,  4^th Canadian Infantry Brigade is officially reported to have died of wounds at No. 10 Casualty Clearing Station on April 26^th.

Corp. Edwards is a native son of Peterborough, having been born in this city in September 1895. His Father, Pioneer Sgt.  J. Wes  Edwards, who is at West Sandling Camp, England with the 39^th Battalion, is one of the best known Peterborough men who has gone overseas. Having been a member of 57^th Regiment for over 25 years. His son, Corporal Edwards, now reported died of wounds enlisted here in January 1915 with the 39^th Battalion, after having tried in vain to go with the first contingent. He became a member of the of the Machine Gun section of the 39^th and after training in England, was drafted into a 4^th Brigade Infantry Battalion and went to the front. His letters home have been bright, cheery nature, showing that he was taking the hardships at the front philosophically as a soldier should. In a recent letter to his father in England, he had expressed hope that they might be able to arrange to Mrs. Edwards come over England to visit her husband and son.

Corp. Edwards last visit home in Peterborough of Pte. Nicholls funeral of the 39^th Battalion who died at Belleville Camp. Edwards was a member of the firing party on that occasion.

In addition to his sorrowing parents he is survived by a younger brother, Reginald and two younger sisters, Mrs. Elliot wife of Lance Corp. Elliot of 93^rd Battalion, and Mrs. C. E. Hemalt of Toronto.

The young soldier was a bright likable boy and was very popular in the city and among members of the 39^th Battalion. 

-- Grave Inscription:  Corp. H.S.W. Edwards, Age 21, Canadian Machine Gun Corps. "He gave his life for us so that we might live." [Ed. - It is interesting to note that his mother, Lizzie, is listed as living 182 Strachan Ave, Toronto.]