Brenda McMahon has submitted the following:-
Edward was born at Cassop cum Quarrington in 1893 and was later baptised at the Wesleyan Methodist Church Durham on July 10th 1893. His parents were Cuthbert and Sarah (nee Bell) who married in 1873. They had 11 children together although sadly 2 died. They included Thomas, George (who went to Australia), Jack, Mary Ann, Elizabeth, Hannah, Isabella, Christiana, John Henry and baby Cuthbert who was born and died in 1898.
1901 Father was a coal miner shifter at the pit whilst his son, Thomas, was a hewer.
By 1911 the family were moving on so only 4 children were still at home at Tursdale Colliery. George was a hewer, John a putter, Edward a driver whilst Christiana was a general servant.
Edward attested on January 18th 1915 then joined at Carlisle on January 20th 1915. He was shown to be 5’6” tall, weighing 147lbs and his trade was given as a coal miner.
He was posted to Gallipoli arriving on the 18th July 1915 but was reported missing on August 8th 1915. His father wrote to the authorities for information about his son on October 16th 1915. On January 12th 1916 his father wrote another letter stating he had heard nothing from his son and that his letters home had been returned to the family. At some point Cuthbert had been advised that his son was back with his regiment. Apparently there had been a report dated November 16th 1915 recording that Edward previously reported missing had now rejoined his regiment. This indication was issued via a casualty list issued by the War Office. This now proved to be incorrect.
Edward’s total service only 204 days.
Medals:- 1915 Star, British War Medal and Victory Medal.
Edward Wilson is remembered at Cornforth on C115.01 and C115.03 and at Tursdale on T62.02
He is also remembered on the Lonsdale Roll of Honour and the 6th Border Regiment Roll of Honour.
