Born in 1877 at Lambourne Essex, son of James Sutton (Hay Stacker on Farms, and described in 1901 as a Thatcher). 1901: He was a Private in the Infantry Militia at Colchester Garrison. On 30th November 1901 in Woodford Parish Church at the age of 23 he married Mary Jane Dunkling He was described as a Bricklayers Labourer, both parties lived in Woodford and the service was conducted by Henry Biddell. 1911: A Bricklayer with his wife and 5 children at 11 Elizabeth Villas, Walpole Road, South Woodford.
The record suggests he enlisted at Walthamstow and having joined 1 Essex, was sent to Gallipoli arriving on 10th June 1915. On 6th August 1915 1 Essex were in the line, ready for a diversionary attack at Helles (the start of what became known as The Battle of Krithia Vineyard) to coincide with the Autumn Offensive landings at Suvla Bay. These were intended to support a breakout planned from Anzac Beach.
At 14.30 the bombardment of artillery and machine gun fire began, but an accurate Turkish counter barrage caused casualties among those waiting in the trenches. At 15.50 the Battalion attacked in two lines. Their objectives were the Turkish trenches H12 and H12a, plus those under construction North East of H12 near Krithia.
Almost at once men began falling victim to heavy Turkish fire, and although they took the corner where trenches H12 and H12a joined, it was not possible to advance further. Under fire from three sides, they were told to hold on there at all costs. Water supplies eventually arrived, but contain on old petrol cans.
On 7th August 1915 the Battalion was withdrawn to the Gully Beach area having suffered 50 dead, 202 wounded and 180 missing - 432 casualties from about 700 men.
Edward Sutton was among the missing and as no trace of him was found, he was later “presumed” to have been Killed in Action.
Research by Adrian Lee, Local Historian
Principal Sources:
Ancestry.com
FindmyPast.co.uk
Regimental History