Edwin George's Story.
Birkenhead News 16th July 1916A War Tragedy.
Port Sunlight Soldier Killed on Eve of Wedding.
Among the many tragedies of the war the death of Sergeant Edwin George Stanley, of 92, Greendale Road, Port Sunlight, stands out prominently, for this young soldier was expected home next week to be married. All the wedding arrangements had been carried out, even to the making of the bridal cake, and to the young girl who was soon to have been a bride and to the gallant young man’s parents and family the heartfelt sympathy of all who knew him is extended. Sergeant Stanley, who was 25 years of age, enlisted in the 18th Battalion King’s Liverpool Regiment (the 2nd Pals) at the commencement of the war, and went out with them some few months back. For ten years he was employed in the general offices at Messrs. Lever Bros. and Co., and during that time gained the confidence and affection of his employers and co-workers alike. He was a member of the Port Sunlight Old Boys’ Football Club and the Swimming Club. Among his friends he was known as “Ned” Stanley. His fiancée, Miss Meakin, has received the following letter from the chaplain of Sergt. Stanley’s Company :- “You will no doubt have heard before this reaches you of the death of E. G. Stanley, of the 18th K.L.R., who was killed in the attack which his battalion made so successfully on Saturday last. I was present when he was buried on the field, close to where he fell, and read a short service over his grave. A ring with the monogram – ‘NS’ was taken from his body, and the enclosed card suggests that he was one who was dear to you. I am therefore forwarding both to you. Pray believe that you have my very sincere sympathy in your bereavement, and that my prayers are for you and all the relatives and friends of those who have fallen in the battle. At any rate they may feel that these sacrifices have not been in vain, for the battle in which he fell was an important and complete victory.”
A younger brother of the late soldier is Private Donald Nowell Stanley, of the same Company. He celebrated his 21st birthday on Christmas Day in the trenches. His father, Mr. Ernest E. P. Stanley, is superintendent of the Port Sunlight Fire Brigade.