›› Private Thomas Lenton EDWARDS (1897 - 1917)

Canadian Infantry (Central Ontario Regiment), "B" Coy. 3rd Battalion.

Thomas Edwards was born on September 15, 1899 in Halifax, Nova Scotia to William John and Alice Maud Edwards. His father was born in South Wales in 1867 and immigrated to Nova Scotia at the age of 26.

The Edwards moved from Nova Scotia to Rockwood about 1910 and resided on Carrol Street. William acquired employment at the stone quarry.

Tom left his job working on the farm of John Lister and enlisted in the army at the age of 16, stating that he was 18 years of age. He died at the battle for Hill 70 as a result of German mining activity on August 19, 1917 at age 17 years and is remembered at the Vimy Memorial in Pas de Calais, France.

Tom was the older brother of James Alfred Edwards who is also remembered on the Rockwood Cenotaph.

Sources:
Veteran Affairs Canada
Library and Archives Canada
Census 1911