EDWIN JOHN CLIFT
Edwin John Clift was born 6 June 1899 in Woodchester, the son of John William Clift, a wood machinist, and his second wife, Margaret Elizabeth nee Herbert. He was baptised at St Mary's Church on 3 September of the same year.
The family lived in the High Street in South Woodchester.
Edwin enlisted as a private in the Hampshire Regiment and was transferred to the 8th Battalion of Princess Charlotte of Wales' Royal Berkshire Regiment.
He died of wounds on 1 September 1918, aged 19 and is buried at Heilly Station Cemetery, Mericourt-L'Abbe, France.
Medals Victory and British War
His brother, George Herbert William and his half brothers, John William and Henry Harold (or Harold Harry) are also known to have served.
His cousin, Arthur Kirby, died of wounds 11 December 1917.
Background
In February 1918, the 8th Bn Royal Berkshires became part of the 18th (Eastern Division). In August they took part in the 2nd Battles of the Somme including the Battle of Albert (21 - 23 Aug) when they captured the Tara and Usna hills near La Boiselle and went on to retake Trones Wood (27 Aug). They were then involved in the 2nd Battle of Bapaume (31 Aug - 3 Sep). The Royal Berkshires suffered losses on 27 August with a few killed in action on the 28th, so it would appear likely that Edwin was wounded at Trones Wood and taken to hospital (20th CCS) where he later died. Heilly Station was used for hospital burials in August and September.
The family lived in the High Street in South Woodchester.
Edwin enlisted as a private in the Hampshire Regiment and was transferred to the 8th Battalion of Princess Charlotte of Wales' Royal Berkshire Regiment.
He died of wounds on 1 September 1918, aged 19 and is buried at Heilly Station Cemetery, Mericourt-L'Abbe, France.
Medals Victory and British War
His brother, George Herbert William and his half brothers, John William and Henry Harold (or Harold Harry) are also known to have served.
His cousin, Arthur Kirby, died of wounds 11 December 1917.
Background
In February 1918, the 8th Bn Royal Berkshires became part of the 18th (Eastern Division). In August they took part in the 2nd Battles of the Somme including the Battle of Albert (21 - 23 Aug) when they captured the Tara and Usna hills near La Boiselle and went on to retake Trones Wood (27 Aug). They were then involved in the 2nd Battle of Bapaume (31 Aug - 3 Sep). The Royal Berkshires suffered losses on 27 August with a few killed in action on the 28th, so it would appear likely that Edwin was wounded at Trones Wood and taken to hospital (20th CCS) where he later died. Heilly Station was used for hospital burials in August and September.