Pauline Priano has submitted the following:-
Edwin Simm was born at Newcastle-upon-Tyne in 1896 and baptised March 1st 1896. One of 7 known children, 4 sons and 3 daughters, of whom only 5 survived born to Thomas Simm a native of Wigan, Lancashire, born in 1855 and Esther Chingles born 1863 at Ruardean, Gloucestershire whom he married in 1889 in the district of Gateshead. Both had been widowed, Thomas and his first wife Margaret Bell Dickie were married in Wigan, Lancashire in 1887, with her he had a son and daughter, Ralph Turner and Annie Beatrice, his wife died, aged 24, at Newcastle-upon-Tyne in 1884. Esther Chingles nee Wilce had married James Chingles of South Shield in 1880 and had 3 children, Frank, Mary Ann and Margaret, he died in 1887 aged 25. In 1891 Thomas and Esther were living at 23 Buck Street, Benwell, Newcastle with 5 of their children, Thomas Simm, son Ralph and stepson Frank Chingles worked as coal miners along with their lodger, only 13 years old, William Musgrave. The family later moved to 3, Norman Street, Heworth and could be found living at 15 Victoria Cottages in 1911. Edwin, now 15 years old, had joined his father at the colliery and was working as a coal miner-driver.
Edwin Simm enlisted at the outbreak of war and was assigned to the 18th Eastern Division, newly formed in October 1914, as Driver 965 to the Royal Army Service Corps attached to the 153rd Horse Transport Coy, Royal Field Artillery. He entered the theatre of war in France, April 18th 1915 and C.W.G.C. states he also served in Russia. His serial number changed twice firstly to 750150 then to 291166. Edwin died March 30th 1920 of pneumonia and is considered a casualty of war, he was 24 years of age.
Driver 291166 Edwin Simm Royal Army Service Corps was interred at Heworth St Mary Churchyard. He was awarded the 1915 Star, British War Medal and Victory Medal sent to his mother at 12, Laurel Street, Felling, County Durham who paid 14 shillings and 3 pence for an additional inscription to be added to his military headstone, it reads, Ever Remembered By His Loving Mother, Brothers and Sisters. Edwin was 24 years old and single. The death of his father had preceded his own at Gateshead in 1917, aged 62, his mother Esther died during the 4th quarter of 1937, aged 74, also in the district of Gateshead.
In God’s safe keeping. Rest in Peace.
Edwin Simm is remembered at Heworth on H92.03
