Peterborough & The Great War

Biography

Edward William Stanger was born in South Shields on 20 November 1894, to parents Thomas George (seaman’s museum caretaker) and Winifred Ada (nee Smithwhite).  On the 1911 Census, Edward was listed as an apprentice in the fish trade.

Edward joined the Royal Naval Reserve and was based at the Naval Base in Great Yarmouth when he passed through Peterborough East Station on 4 July 1916.  He states in the visitors’ book that he was serving with HMS Callsin, although no trace can be found of this ship.  He passed through Peterborough again on 1 September 1916.  (The visitors’ book can be searched by date).

Edward served as a trimmer/cook.  His job would have involved loading coal onto the ship and making it available to the stoker.  He would also have worked inside the coal bunkers, keeping the coal level to prevent the ship listing, whilst shoveling coal to the fireman for loading into the furnaces; it would have been very hot and dirty work.  Fires frequently occurred from spontaneous combustion and the trimmers would be responsible for putting them out. Trimmers often had more than one job on board ship, and Edward also worked as cook.  Edward was awarded the 1914 Star, British War and Allied Victory Medals.

In 1923, Edward married Emma Lillico at South Shields.  They had two children Doreen (1924) and Edward W (1929).  In 1939 Emma and the two children are living at 54 Alverthorpe Street, South Shields.  Doreen is at commercial school.  We have been unable to find an entry for Edward on the 1939 Register.

Edward died in Tynemouth in 1974, aged 79.

Please get in touch if you can tell us more about Edward and his family.