Whitley Seaside Chronicle & Visitors' Gazette - April 17, 1920
'Sergt. E. Ifould.
The very many old and young friends of Sergt. E. Ifould, of Catherine Terrace, Whitley Road, Whitley Bay, would be delighted to hear by our early intimation in our issue of the 10th inst., that the veteran had been awarded the Order of the British Empire.
Mr Ifould, who celebrated his 84th birthday on Sunday last, is probably the most veteran member of the Order and certainly in that list, there can be none more deserving. Mr Ifould having been a most enthusiastic patriot and worker for the Empire for well nigh seventy years, and particularly distinguished himself for his valuable war work services locally in our recent five years of stress.
Sergt. E. Ifould who is a bright and alert little man, though 84 years of age, is really a younger man than many who have thirty years to go to reach his age. One can scarcely imagine one more vigorous and virile, nor one who leads a busier life at this moment than this active little gentleman, who on the occasion of the Victory March at Newcastle on the Monday following Peace Celebration Day last year, took part in that March and was specially honoured and feted by the General Officer Commanding.
Sergt. E. Ifould is a native of Wokingham, Berkshire, and at the age of 20 joined the Royal Berkshire Volunteers, consequent upon which he was one of the Guard of Honour at the wedding of King Edward VII., and was also at the great review at Hyde Park when William, King of Prussia, and father of the ex-Kaiser, William, III., was present as the guest of Queen Victoria and the Prince Consort.
Sergt. Ifould took up residence in Whitley Bay some 15 years ago, and when the late Capt. J. P. Mulcastor inaugorated the local National Reserve in 1914, at once joined up, doing yeoman service in securing recruits for the veteran force, and later in organising entertainments, etc., for our soldier boys, more especially in Cullercoats and generally assisting to the full extent of his time and energy in helping on functions for their benefit.
Receiving an invitation to join the Victory March at Newcastle as a special guest the veteran was conveyed to the scene by an Army motor, when he was received by Captains Dyke and Lunn, and then presented to Brigadier, Major-General Montgomery. Despite the protests of many Sergt. Ifould insisted on taking part in the March Past, just as he had done some 60 years previously in London town, and as he said at the time, and this has been proved since, he was none the worse for it.
He was well looked after by his military friends, and was later refreshed and entertained at the Hippodrome, made a honorary member of "The Old Contemptibles," and also honorary member of the "National Reserve."
His happy day was brought to a close by being conveyed back to his residence at Whitley Bay by a private motor, in good time for early bed.
The following letter was received by the veteran in the early part of last year from Marlborough House:
"Marlborough House, Pall Mall,
23rd April, 1919
Sir.- It has been brought to the notice of Queen Alexandra that you were present with your Battalion on the occasion of Her Majesty's wedding, and Her Majesty sends you the enclosed card (a portrait of Her Majesty), as a little remembrance of that event.
Her Majesty is interested to hear that since that time you have led a most active energetic life, and that in the War you assisted with the enrolment of the National Reserve, and in spite of your advanced age you joined the local Ambulance Corps and turned out with them on all occasions.Queen Alexandra congratulates you on your zeal and activity and hopes you may have many more years of life in store.
I am, Sir, yours faithfully,
ARTHUR DAVIDSON, Colonel,
Equerry to H.M. Queen Alexandra
Mr. Edwin Ifould
79 Whitley Road, Whitley Bay."
And now, April 1920, the gallant Sergeant has been further honoured by receiving the Order of the British Empire from His Majesty the King.'
Whitley Seaside Chronicle & Visitors Gazette - October 16 1920:
'Death of Mr Edwin Efold (sic)
The veteran holder of the Order
of the British Empire
It is with much regret that we have to record the death of Mr. Edwin Ifould, which occured at his residence, 79, Whitley Road, Whitley Bay, on Thursday evening, deceased being in his 85th year.
Sergt. Ifould was a native of Wokingham, Berkshire and at the age of 20 joined the Royal Berkshire Volunteers, consequent upon which he was one of the Guard of Honour at the wedding of King Edward VII., and was also at the great review at Hyde Park, when William, King of Prussia, and father of the ex-Kaiser, William III., was present and the guest of Queen Victoria and Prince Consort.
Sergt. Ifould took up his residence at Whitley Bay some 15 years ago, and when the late Capt. J. P. Mulcastor inaugorated the local National Reserve in 1914 he at once joined up.
On the occasion of the Victory March at Newcastle on the Monday following Peace Celebration Day, July 19th, 1919, he received an invite to attend as a special guest, and was conveyed to the scene by an Army motor, when he was presented to the Brigadier, Major-General Montgomery.
Despite the protests of many Sergt. Ifould insisted on taking part in the march past, just as he did sixty years previously, and, as he said, felt none the worse for it.
It was on Monday, July 5th, of this year, that Sergt. Edwin Ifould, in his 85th year had the honour of receiving at the hands of His Majesty, King George, the insignia of the Order of the British Empire.
The worthy veteran travelled, accompanied by Supt. Thompson of the Whitley Bay Fire Brigade, to Edinburgh.
In due course Sergt. Ifould was introduced to His Majesty King George, who, on pinning the insignia of honour on the veteran's breast, shook hands most heartily with the Sergeant. "I am only too pleased to shake hands with you," said His Majesty, keeping the veteran in friendly chat for a few minutes. The King referred to the fact of the Sergeant being one of the Guard of Honour at Queen Alexandra' s wedding, and on finally shaking hands with the veteran he said: "I heartily greet you and shall always keep you in pleasant memory."
Sergt. Ifould was in his usual good state of health until quite recently, and his death will come as a shock and be a source of deep regret to his many friends.
The interment will take place at the family burial place in Berkshire where the remains of the deceased will be conveyed by railway from Whitley Station this afternoon.
We understand the deceased will be given a military funeral, the cortege to leave the residence for Whitley Station about four or five o'clock. The arrangements are in charge of Supt. J. Thompson, of the Fire Brigade, who is anticipating a gun carriage from Tynemouth Castle, and the attendance of the Wellesley Band from Blyth. The Whitley Bay Boy Scouts will turn out, and it is expected a goodly number of Comrades of the Great War, and also the brethren of the R.A.O.B. will be present to pay their last tribute.
It is just a year ago today since the "Welcome" Home Dinner given in the Spanish City was held, in which Sergt. Ifould took a most lively interest. He worked hard for the success of this Welcome Home and personally took a lion's share of this work of decorating the interior with flags, bunting, etc.'