Edward Symons – Royal Garrison Artillery, 143rd Siege Battery

Gunner Edward Symons – Royal Garrison Artillery, 143^rd Siege Battery

Early Life and Family Background

Another name commemorated on the Mumbles War Memorial, for which only limited records survive, is Edward Symons. He was born in 1887 at Barnstaple, Devon.

Marriage

In June 1909, Edward Symons married Edith Norman.

1911 Census

The earliest census record located for Edward is the 1911 Census, which shows Edward and Edith Symons residing at Mayals Green, Mayals. They had one child, a daughter Jessie, aged 1.

Military Service

Edward enlisted in the British Army and served as a Gunner with the Royal Garrison Artillery, 143^rd Siege Battery. Siege batteries were equipped with heavy artillery and were responsible for engaging enemy gun positions, strongpoints, and supply routes in support of infantry operations.

By September 1918, the battery was operating on the Western Front during the final phase of the war, known as the Hundred Days Offensive, when Allied forces were advancing steadily against retreating German armies.

Gas Warfare and Death

During this period, German forces made extensive use of gas shell bombardments, particularly mustard gas, targeting artillery positions, gun pits, ammunition dumps, and rear-area camps. Gas often lingered in low ground and confined spaces, causing severe injuries even when exposure was brief.

It was during these operations that Gunner Edward Symons was fatally affected by gas. He died from the effects of gas on 25^th September 1918, after being evacuated to medical care.

Burial and Commemoration

Edward Symons
St Sever Cemetery Extension, Rouen, France
credit - findagrave

Gunner Edward Symons is buried at St Sever Cemetery Extension, Rouen, France, a cemetery associated with the large base hospitals that treated men wounded or gassed at the front.

South Wales Daily Post

An article reporting his death was published in the South Wales Daily Post, ensuring that news of his sacrifice reached the local community.