Additions will be checked before being published on the website and where possible will be forwarded to the person who submitted the original entries. Your contact details will not be forwarded, but they can send a reply via this messaging system.
please scroll down to send a message
Gnr. Edward James Townsend
British Army 298th Bde. A Bty. Royal Field Artillery
(d.22nd April 1918)
In Memory of Gunner Edward James Townsend Much loved Son of Thomas & Charlotte Townsend. He worked for the Railways before volunteering for the Army in 1914, joining the Medical Corps he later transferred to the Royal Artillery as he said he found it difficult recovering parts of his Comrades & would sooner shoot the Enemy. After being gassed in 1917 he was sent to home to recover, he wasn't obliged to go back but insisted he felt it was his duty to to fight for his Family (1 Brother & 8 Sisters) and his Country. He was gassed again in 1918 this was to be the last time. He lay dying of his wounds for six days in St Louis, U.S.A., Hospital, France and spent his 21st birthday there. Edward died on 22nd April 1918, aged 21 and is buried in the St Sever Cemetery extension in France. My Grandmother never managed to visit his Grave but I his niece have been lucky enough to have managed to visit several times. We are eternally grateful for the Great Sacrifice he & his comrades made. I would like to take this opportunity to thank the staff for their hard work in keeping the Cemetery immaculate.
