Edward Huntingdon - a sad tale

Edward was my Great Grandad, John Huntingdon’s brother. He was born in Blackburn in 1881 to Richard and Mary Huntingdon who already had six children. He married Ann Holmes in 1909. They had one son, Richard, who was born the following year.

When World War One broke out Edward was working as a labourer in a cotton mill. His story is particularly poignant because he was not a young man at the beginning of the war. He was 33 years old  and did not volunteer. He was married with a 5 year old son. He was also a regular churchgoer which may also have influenced his decision.

In January 1916 the British Government introduced conscription but only for single men between 18 and 41. By May, conscription had been extended to married men which then included Edward. It was May 1918 when he was conscripted into the 11th East Lancashire regiment. These were the Accrington Pals who had been decimated during the battle of the Somme. He was one of the conscripts who replaced the men lost on the first day of the Battle of the Somme.

Edward was sent to France after basic training and arrived on September 12th, 1918. On September 26 the regiment were given the task of attacking Hill 63, near Ploegstreet Wood. The advance was successful but at a heavy cost. 358 men were killed, wounded or missing. Edward died in his first action that day.

You can read more about the Accrington Pals at Ploegstreet wood

https://www.pals.org.uk/psteert.htm

The history of the Accrington Pals is told in William Turner’s book, Accrington Pals, published by Pen & Sword Books.