Edward Franklin's Story.
Born
22 Jul 1892 Boughton, Cheshire, England
Baptised
St. John the Baptist, Chester, Cheshire, England
Parents
John Thomas was born in 1852 in Shrewsbury, Shropshire.
Mary (Florence) Jane Blunt (Blount) was born on 8 March 1855 in Goudhurst, Kent.
1901 census
Living at Number 6 Francis Street
Edward was aged 8
John Thomas 49 Labourer (navvy) Chester Corporation
Florence Jane Thomas 44
1911
6 Francis Street Chester
Edward aged 18 Single. Butcher in Brook Street
John Thomas 58 Labourer (navvy) Chester Corporation
Florence Jane Thomas 52
George Harry Thomas 29 Labourer (navvy) Chester Corporation
Map Left 1911 Right 2021
Marriage
Florence Denson in early 1915
BIRTH 26 MAR 1894 • Saltney, Flintshire, Wales
DEATH 10 JUL 1961 • Chester, Cheshire, England
Military Service
Edward joined The Cheshire Yeomanary (Earl of Chester's) Number 2044 he was a Territorial
The Territorial Force was a part-time volunteer component of the British Army.
War
On the outbreak of war on 4 August 1914 Edward join the Territorial Force “Imperial Service”
In September 1914 the Brigade moved to East Anglia, by 1915 the Brigade was dismounted.
Edward Landed in France 22nd November 1915
In February 1916 he landed in Egypt with the Brigade advance party. With the Brigade fulling deployed in Egypt in March 1916.
After training and deployment, he took part in the invasion of Plastine in 1917 and 1918.
He was in The First Battle of Gaza was fought on 26 March 1917.
"The had to advance across exposed ground, withstanding shrapnel, machine gun and rifle fire, to capture the Turkish fortifications. Despite gaining the advantage towards the end of the day, the British commander, Lieutenant-General Philip Chetwode called off the attack so that the division's casualties, were suffered in vain."
He was also took part in Second (17–19 April 1917) and Third Battle of Gaza(27 October–7 November) – including the capture of Beersheba on 31 October and the Sheria Position on 6 November.
At the end of 1917, it took part in the capture and defence of Jerusalum and in March 1918 in the Battle of Tell Asur.
On 3 April 1918, the division was warned that it would move to France and by 30 April 1918 had completed embarkation at Alexandria.
Sadly whilst on Patrol in the Jordan Valley (The last Campaign for the 265) he contracted Malaria. The spent ten days in Hospital in Alexandria before sadly passing.
Post War
Edward and Florence Thomas nee Denson had no children.
After the War Florence went on to Marry Edwards older Brother George Harry Thomas in 1921 in Chester. They went on to have four children
In 1939 both living in 5 Carter St, Just Off Francis Street
Florence J Thomas Age 83
George H Thomas Age 57
Florence Thomas Age 45
Henrietta Thomas Age 17
Janet Thomas Age 16
John H Thomas Age 11
Window is in the cloisters of Chester Cathedral, north walk.jpg)
Pictures, Letters and Newspaper clipping sent in By Michelle Anderson (Grandaughter of Thomas aged 11 in 1939)
Complied and Research by Simon Gildea