Name
Edward Thomas Hedges
Conflict
First World War
Date of Death / Age
05/06/1916
19
Rank, Service Number & Service Details
Wireman 2nd Class
M/16670
Royal Navy
H.M.S. Hampshire
Awards: Service Medals/Honour Awards
Cemetery/Memorial: Name/Reference/Country
PORTSMOUTH NAVAL MEMORIAL
Panel 20.
United Kingdom
UK & Other Memorials
Watford Borough Roll of Honour,
St Michael and All Angels Church Memorial, Watford
Pre War
Son of Ada (nee CHATFIELD) HEDGES of Watford, and the late Edwin George HEDGES.
His parents married 1895 in the Horsham, Sussex, district. Edwin died 1911 in Watford aged 46, and was buried 30 November in Vicarage Road Cemetery, Watford; Ada died 1950 in Watford aged 82, and was buried 10 August, also in Vicarage Road Cemetery.
Edward was born 22 or 29 October 1896 in Watford, and baptised 18 December 1896 at St Mary’s, Watford. He attended Victoria Junior School, Watford; then Beechen Grove Board School, Watford, from 10 January 1905 to 25 February 1909.
On the 1901 Census, aged 4 he lived in Watford, with his parents and three siblings. On the 1911 Census, aged 14 he still lived in Watford, with his parents and five siblings.
Wartime Service
He enlisted 9 November 1915 for the Duration of Hostilities, and joined H.M.S. Hampshire 2 April 1916. He was entitled to the Victory, British War and Star medals.
He was killed or died as a direct result of enemy action, when the ship is believed to have struck a mine laid by the German submarine U-75; the ship sank in about 15 minutes. Of over 600 personnel on board, only 12 men managed to reach the shore. His body was not recovered for burial; his mother of Watford was notified of his death.
Additional Information
Recorded as HEDES E T in the Borough Roll of Honour.
There is an article about Edward in the St Michael’s Church Parish Magazine dated July 1916.
Acknowledgments
Sue Carter (Research) and Watford Museum (ROH on line via www.ourwatfordhistory.org.uk)
