Edgar Thomas Christian

Rank 
Lance Corporal
Regiment 
Essex Regiment
Date of death 
30 April 1917
Age of death 
21
Address 
103 Calderon Road
Leytonstone
Essex
E11 4ET
Address source 
1911 Census
Cemetery / Memorial 
France
Biography 

Born in 1895 at Stratford, son of Thomas (Railway Coach Builder) and Florence Christian. 1901: With his family at 78 Leslie Road, Leyton. 1911: With his family at 103 Calderon Road, Leytonstone. His Army summary suggests he was still living in Leytonstone when he enlisted.

During the night of 29/30 April 1917 9 Essex were tasked with capturing a length of the German “Rifle Trench” near Monchy le Preux at Arras in order to straighten the line. Part of the trench was already in British hands. A frontal attack was successful, and by 03.00 the newly won ground was being consolidated. However the advance provoked a severe German artillery and infantry counter attack, which forced them to surrender the ground they had just taken. In what was described as a short but savage engagement, 9 Essex saw 5 officers and 40 other ranks killed.

Edgar Christian was among the casualties of this operation, being recorded as Killed in Action.

His connection to South Woodford is unclear.

Research by Adrian Lee, Local Historian

Sources:

Ancestry.com