William Kirby and Brenda McMahon have submitted the following:-
Edward was born at Broomside, Durham and was later baptised on November 17th 1896 at Durham. He was the son of John and Mary Jane (nee Coskin) who married in 1888. The couple went on to have 8 children although 2 died.
In 1901 Edward was living with his parents and siblings at 26 Springwell, Hetton le Hole. His father was a coal miner/hewer. His siblings included brother, Benjamin, who at the age of 12 was working as a putter in the pit, Frederick, Eleanor, Edward, and John.
By 1911 another daughter named Isabella arrived about 1903. Like his father, Ben was now a coal hewer. Fred was a coal putter whilst 14 year old Edward was a pony driver. The family were now living at 8 Coal Bank Terrace, Hetton le Hole.
Edward enlisted at Sunderland and joined the Northumberland Fusiliers but no other service information is available. He was killed in action on July 1st 1916, the first day of the Battle of the Somme.
Medals: British War Medal and Victory Medal.
After his death his monies due amounting to £8.8s.1d was paid to his father, John. Later a war gratuity was also due ie £8.10s.0d.
TheSunderland Echo 03/07 1917 reads;-
CARLING—In memory of Pte Edward Carling, killed in action July 1st 1916. beloved son of John and Polly Carling, of 2 Cottages Road Dawdon. He nobly did his duty. Deeply mourned and sadly missed by his loving father, mother, brothers and sisters and sister in law.
CARLING --In loving memory our dear brother Pte. Edward Carling killed in action July 1st 1916.
Sweet be your rest dear brother
Tis sweet to breathe your name;
In life we loved you dearly.
In death we do the same
Ever remembered by his loving brother and sister-in-law Fred and Lily.
Edward Carling is remembered at Dawdon on D41.02 and at Sunderland in S140.048 part 3
