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Sgt. Edward George "Bert" Ryde
British Army 2nd Btn. D coy. 15 platoon. Middlesex Regiment
from:Tooting London
(d.10th Mar 1915)
My Great Uncle Edward George Ryde, known as Bert, served as a professional soldier and was on active service before World War 1. He and many of our family were in it together so all were involved in the war from the beginning. My Grandfather, Private Robert George Taylor (transport)another Great Uncle Sgt. Tom Garrett and Uncle Sgt. William Brooks survived.
Bert was killed at Neuve Chapelle and is buried at Le Touret Cemetery. He was married to my Great Aunt Silvia Ryde of Tooting, who never remarried but waited hoping he might one day march home. I suppose many were like that. He was straight as a board, well disciplined and believed in what he was doing for his country. I have updated this data because since originally placing it I have uncovered a lot more information, including his letters home from the trenches, thanks to IWM.
Aunt Silv was told he died from machine gun fire as he went over the top of the trench. His tobacco tin, that we are told, was removed from his pocket after death, reveals severe damage and scorching and if true is more likely he was hit by a shell. I now have a letter hand written by another sergeant (Colleopy)to Bert's wife describing how Bert died and contrary to the official date it was on the 10th March 1915. Many at Le Touret are of soldiers who were not found on the battlefield and a whole wall is dedicated to them, however I am told he has a headstone in panel 31 but have not been able to see it. He was a good man like so many who didn't come home. He would have made a positive contribution to his country had he lived. I now have a large portfolio on my Uncle where I started out with nothing. It points to the wonderful benefits these sites bring to long bereaved family members. I also have composed a 24 page document describing my Uncle's service and the Battle of Neuve Chapelle in detail.
