Guardsman Edward Gregson.
26579 4th Grenadier Guards.
Killed in Action 31st August 1917, aged 39.
Edward Herbert was born in the June quarter of 1877, Burnley. The son of Thomas Gregson and Lydia Smith. In the 1881 census the family lived at 30 Calder Vale Rd, Burnley. Thomas 40 weaver born in Barnoldswick, Lydia 28 weaver born in Preston Lancs, Alice 20, Sarah 18 both weavers, William 15 iron moulder, John 13 weaver, Elizabeth 7, George 5, Edward 3, Hannah 5 months.
By the time of the 1891 census the family had moved to 12 Stanhope St, Burnley. Thomas 53, Lydia 49, sarah 28, Elizabeth17, George 15, Edward 13, Hannah 10 and Margaret 7.
Edward married Mary Lee on the 1st Nov (All Saints Day) in the parish church of St James, Burnley. Edward was living at 44 Lord St.
Now married Edward and his young family was living at 56 B….. St, Burnley, Edward 23, Mary 27, and Annie 1. By the time of the 1911 cesus their family had grown and were now living at 11 Berkly St, Burnley. Edward 33, Mary 37, Annie 11, Florence 8 and Lee 4.
From the Burnley Express dated 15th Sept. 1917: Caused by machine-gun fire.
From letters which she has received Mrs Gregson 1 Steer Street, Burnley has been unofficially informed of the death of her husband Private Edward Gregson, caused by machine-gun fire. The soldier was attached to the Grenadier Guards and was 39 years of age. He joined the army on September 14,1916 and on March 2nd of this year he went on Active Service. Some years ago he served with the volunteers. He was a married man and leaves a wife and four children. Formerly he was a weaver at Messr's Thornton and Tattersall's Mill. He was an Oddfellow and a member of the Rose and Thistle Lodge. He has a brother George Gregson in the RAMC. Two nephews are also in that corps while two other nephews are in France and one in Salonika.
The Church of England chaplain the Rev A Lewellyn Jones, wrote as follows on September 1st: "Dear Mrs Gregson, this is to bring my earnest sympathy with you in the great lost you have suffered in the death of Private E Gregson 26579, who was killed by machine-gun fire on the 30th/31st August 1917. I have arranged for the funeral tonight near the place he was killed. The Battalion will put up a cross."
The deceased soldiers Battalion ,Commander, writing to Mrs Gregson on the 5th inst, stated: " it is with a feeling of the deepest sympathy that I write to offer you my sincerest condolences in the loss of your Gallant husband. He was killed instantaneously by a German machine gun when out on patrol with the officer ,commanding his Platoon. I therefore trust you will allow me to tender you my heartfelt sympathy in your irreparable loss, a loss which is mitigated to some degree by the fact .......
From the Burnley Express dated 15th Sept 1917: Gregson - In loving memory of Private Edward Gregson 26579, of the Grenadier Guards, who was killed in action on 31st August 1917 aged 39 years.
When last we saw his smiling face,
he seemed so strong and brave,
we little thought how soon he'd be
laid in a soldier's grave.
He sleeps besides his comrades,
in a hallowed grave unknown,
but his name is written in letters of love,
in the hearts he left at Home.
May the Heavenly winds blow Softly
O’er that sweet and hallowed spot,
though the sea divides his grave from us,
he will never be forgotten.
Only those who have loved and lost
know the meaning of the word gone.
-From his sorrowing wife and children.
it may be a soldier's honour
to die for his country's cause.
But it's hard to think of the glory
with the sorrow it brings us all.
from his sorrowing sisters and brothers.
Gregson-In loving memory of Private Edward Gregson 26579, Grenadier Guards who was killed in action August 31st 1917. One of England's best.From a friend.
Edward left his effects to his widow Mary.
Edward was buried in Poelcapelle British Cemetery, Belgium: Grave Ref; XLV.F.9. Son of Thomas and Lydia Gregson; husband of Mary Gregson, of 1, Steer St., Burnley.
