Edward James Lumsdaine

Gunner Edward James Lumsdaine – Royal Garrison Artillery

Early Life

Edward James Lumsdaine was born in 1883 in Newlyn, Cornwall, the son of James Lumsdaine, a fish buyer originally from Scotland, and Caroline Mann Pentreath, born in Cornwall. The couple had married in 1880 at Whitby, Yorkshire.

1891 Census

By the time of the 1891 Census, the Lumsdaine family was living at 18 Hill Street, Hubberston, Pembrokeshire. James, aged 30, was working as a fish buyer, while Caroline was 27. Their children were Edward, 8; James, 7; and David, 3, all attending school. The younger children were John, 1, and Annie, 8 months.

1901 Census

At the 1901 Census, Edward, now 18, was living away from home as a boarder at 75 Brook Street, Aberdare, where he worked as a coal miner hewer.

Marriage and Family

Edward James Lumsdaine and Mary Daly
marriage certificate
St. James' church

In 1905, Edward married Mary Daly at St. James’ Church, Uplands, Swansea. At the time, Edward was living at 4 White Street, Swansea, employed as a fish packer, while Mary’s address was recorded as the Adelaide Hotel. Both their fathers, James Lumsdaine and John Daly, were deceased.

1911 Census

By the 1911 Census, Edward and Mary were living at 17 Albion Street, Milford, Pembrokeshire, though Edward’s entry on the census return appears to have been mistakenly crossed out. His occupation was still recorded as fish packer, and Mary was listed as 25. Their children were Edward, 5; James, 4; David John, 2; and Robert D., 5 months.

Also present in the household were Mary’s parents, Henry Morris, 40, a fish packer, and his wife Mary Jane, along with their younger children James Alfred, 6, and Frederick Henry, under 1 year old.

Military Service

Attestation Papers

Edward first enlisted in 1908, joining the Pembrokeshire Regiment, and later served with the Royal Garrison Artillery during the First World War. His long commitment to the Territorial Force earned him the Territorial Force Efficiency Medal, awarded to non-commissioned officers and men who completed at least 12 years’ service and attended the annual training camps.

Death

On 28^th August 1916, Edward died at Beechwood Hospital, Newport, aged 34.

Burial

Edward James Lumsdaine
Danygraig Cemetery
credit - findagrave

The Herald of Wales reported his military funeral at Danygraig Cemetery, Swansea, on 9th September 1916. His service was attended with full honours, reflecting both his years of military commitment and the sacrifice made by his family.

Family Losses in 1916

Herald of Wales

The Herald of Wales also noted that Edward was not the only son of the Lumsdaine family to fall in the war. His brother James Lumsdaine, who served with the 14^th Battalion, Welsh Regiment, had died earlier that year on 27^th January 1916 and is buried at St. Vaast Post Military Cemetery. Another brother, Leslie Lumsdaine, serving with the Royal Engineers, died on 4^th February 1916 and is buried at Bécourt Military Cemetery.