Peterborough & The Great War

Biography

Frederick Edge was born in Manchester on 16 September 1892 to William and Elizabeth Edge.

In 1901 Frederick, aged 8, was living at 19 Market Street, North Manchester, with his parents and two brothers, Arthur and Albert. By 1911, the family had moved to 1 Grant Street, Blackley, Manchester and Fred was listed as a cotton finisher in the cloth business.

Frederick attested on 10 December 1915, aged 23 years 3 months and joined the Manchester Regiment. On this occasion he gave his occupation as labourer. His mother, Elizabeth of 1 Grant Street Blackley Manchester, was his nominated next of kin.

When Frederick signed the visitors’ book on 8 October 1916, he was with the 8th Manchesters at Weybourne Camp, Norfolk. He wrote in the book “Many thanks to all concerned at the soldiers & Sailors Rest Room for their kindness shown To us whilst staying here for the night God Bless them in their good work”.  He served with the British Expeditionary Force from 14 December 1916.

During his active service he was wounded on three occasions. The first time on 23 April 1917, when he suffered a gunshot wound to his left wrist and then on 21 March 1918, a further gunshot wound to his right hand. He transferred to the 1st Battalion of the Border Regiment from 6 June 1918 and on 1 October 1918, he received a gunshot wound to his left forearm which left him 30% disabled. He was transferred from the Fort Pitt Military Hospital, Chatham to the Royal Herbert Hospital, Woolwich, the Army’s main orthopedic centre on 4 September 1919. He was discharged as no longer physically fit for military service on 9 October 1919.

He was award the British War and Allied Victory Medals and the Kings Certificate. Little is known of his life after the war. He died in Manchester in 1977, aged 85.

Please get in touch if you can tell us more about Frederick.