Cpl 22710 Edward Halewood

• Age: 24
• From: Aughton, Lancs
• Regiment: The King's (Liverpool Regiment) 20th Btn
• K.I.A Friday 28th January 1916
• Commemorated at: Cerisy-gailly Mil Cem
  Panel Ref: II.D.29

Edward was born on 13^th March 1893 at Moor Hall Lodge, Prescot Road, Aughton, Edward was the second eldest of four sons born to William Halewood and his wife Sarah White Halewood (nee Davies) who were married in 1892, the marriage was registered in Ormskirk.

His father sadly took his own life, aged 66, in 1898.  

His death was reported in the Ormskirk Advertiser on Thursday 24 March 1898: 

CASE OF SUICIDE AT AUGHTON.

On Saturday morning Mr S. Brighouse, county coroner, held an inquest at Moor Hall, Aughton, the residence of Mr George Holme, relative the death of William Halewood, thirty-two, coachman and gardener at the Hall. The widow stated the deceased went to work on Friday about six o’clock in morning. He was then in good health. He had his breakfast about ten o’clock, and at eleven o’clock Miss Holme came to the lodge and asked for the deceased. She (witness) went in search of him, and found him lying in the pond, and his vest on the bank. She never had any suspicion he would take his life, but the fact Mr Holme was to leave the hall had upset him very much. — John Goode, a gardener, said he was working with the deceased on Friday morning until quarter to ten. He seemed rather peculiar in his manner. Witness heard the screams of Mrs Halewood, and he ran to the pond and took the body out. Dr Anderton, of Ormskirk, who was passing, was called in, and he and witness used artificial respiration for upwards of an hour without effect. The water in the pond was only about four feet deep. The jury returned a verdict of “ Suicide whilst of unsound mind." 

In 1901 Sarah, a widow, is living with her 4 sons at 40 York Road, Great Crosby. Sarah is 37 years of age and was born in Ruthin, North Wales. Her eldest son, William was born in Shropshire, while her other three sons were born in Liverpool; Edward aged 8, John H. aged 6 and James aged 4.

In 1911, with two of her sons, Edward, a greengrocer’s assistant, and James, an errand boy, she lives at 24 Moorgate Avenue, Great Crosby. His mother, Sarah, is a laundress and her brother, James White Davies, a jobbing gardener, also lives with the family.

On 10^th November 1914 at Liverpool, Edward enlisted as Private 22710 in the 20th Battalion of The King's Liverpool Regiment giving his age as 21 years and 8 months and his occupation as a grocer’s assistant. He gave his next of kin as his mother Sarah White Halewood of 24 Moorgate Street, Great Crosby. He was described as follows: height 5' 11 1/2", weight 151lbs, chest 38", fresh complexion, with hazel eyes and dark brown hair. He stated his religion as Church of England.

Formed in November 1914 the 20^th Battalion were originally billeted at Tournament Hall, Knotty Ash before on 29^th January 1915 they moved to the hutted accommodation purposely built at Lord Derby’s estate at Knowsley Hall. On 19^th April 1915, he was appointed Lance Corporal (Paid). On 30th April 1915 the 20th Battalion alongside the other three Pals battalions left Liverpool via Prescot Station for further training at Belton Park, Grantham. They remained here until September 1915 when they reached Larkhill Camp on Salisbury Plain. On 20^th October 1915 Edward was promoted to Corporal. He arrived in France on 7^th November 1915.

His service record shows-

19th April 1915 appointed paid Lance Corporal

20th Oct 1915 promoted Corporal

Edward was killed in action on 28^th January 1916, aged 24 years. 

Edward's death was remembered in the Liverpool Echo dated 30th January 1917

– Roll of Honour – HALEWOOD – In loving memory of Corporal Edward Halewood who was killed in action Jan 28 1916.  He marched away so bravely, his head so proudly held, his footsteps never faltered, his courage never failed.  Do not ask us if we miss him, there is such a vacant place, he fought and died for Britain and the honour of his name.  Nance, Holywell

Liverpool Echo dated 28th October 1918 – In Memoriam

– HALEWOOD – In living memory of William Halewood who died in the R.N. Hospital Chatham October 27 1917 also Corporal Edward Halewood killed in France January 28 1916.  (Duty nobly done) Father in Thy gracious keeping leave we now our loved ones sleeping.  (Sadly missed by their loving Mother and Brothers (Jim in France)

Liverpool Echo dated 18th January 1918

– HALEWOOD – In loving memory of Corporal Edward Halewood (Ted) KLR who was killed in action Jan 28 1916 – Ever remembered by Nance.

HALEWOOD  - Jan 28 1916– Killed in action Corporal Edward Halewood, dearly beloved son of Mr Halewood 24 Moorgate Road Crosby also in loving memory of William Halewood who died in Royal Naval Hospital Chatham Oct 22 1917. God called you home our loved ones because He saw best,  from the dreadful roar of battle to the land of Peace and Rest (Thy will be done) Sadly missed by Mother and brothers.

His mother, Sarah, died, aged 80, on the 30th November 1944.

Probate  was granted at Liverpool on 10th April 1945:-

HALEWOOD Sarah White of 24 Moorgate Avenue, Great Crosby, Liverpool 23 widow died 30 November 1944 at Belmont Road Hospital, Liverpool 6 Probate Liverpool 10 April to John Herbert Halewood gardener and James Halewood Joiner. Effects £885 17s. 

Edward is commemorated on the following Memorials:

Hall of Remembrance, Liverpool Town Hall, Panel 55 Left

Both Edward and William are commemorated on the following Memorials:

Crosby and Blundellsands Civic Memorial

St Lukes C of E Church, Crosby.

We currently have no further information on Edward Halewood. If you have or know someone who may be able to add to the history of this soldier, please contact us.

Grateful thanks are expressed to Phil Halewood for permission to use the photograph of his great uncle, Edward Halewood, now shown on this site.