223863 Pte. Edward Reeves MM.British Army 8th Battalion York & Lancaster Regt. from:Canklow, Brinsworth, Rotherham (d.9th Oct 1917) Edward Reeves was my 1st cousin, once removed. His mother Elizabeth was my grandfather William's eldest sister.
Edward's civilain occupation is listed as 'Rope Hand' when he enlisted as a Private at Rotherham on 2nd of Sep 1915 and after training in England, embarked at Folkestone as part of the B.E.F. on 26th August 1915.
He arrived in France on 27th August 1915 at Boulogne.
He was appointed as unpaid lance corporal for 'good work in the QM stores) on 11th Mar 1916 and this was then confirmed on 31st May 1916.
He was appointed Acting Corporal on 19th Jul 1916 and was awarded the Military Medal for 'bravery in the field' on 1st October 1916 (relevant action was on 21st Sep 1916)in a supplement to the London Gazette.
Following this honour he was appointed acting Sergeant 11th Oct 1916 and this was confirmed 'in the ranks' on 14th Jun 1917.
In Nov 1917 the 8th Battalion moved to Italy to strengthen the Italian Resistance effort. There is a record of him taking leave in Italy from 15th Jul 1918
At some point Edward was wounded and he was admitted to a military hospital in Jan 1919. His service record says he 'Embarked to UK, arriving at Clipstone on 6th Mar 1919 where he returned to the mines.
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