Edward was born 28th July 1879 in Solihull, Warwickshire. Not much is known about his early life, he appears to have worked in the manufacturing industry with his father and brother. He potentially attended Wellington College (now Wrekin College) in Wellington Shropshire sometime in the 1890s.  

Edward served in South Africa during the Second Boer War from 11 October 1899 to 31 May 1902. He likely served with the Yeomanry during this conflict; there are no clear records as to who he served with.  

Edward was either still in the armed forces or re-enlisted at the outbreak of World War I. He was part of the 1st Battalion The Somerset Light Infantry  Regiment. He arrived in France 1st December 1914 as reinforcements for the 1st Battalion.  

They were in trenches near Ploegsteert Wood in Belgium. A location made famous by the 1914 Christmas Truce, where an impromptu cease-fire allowed for a football match between British and German troops on Christmas day. 

The Battalion remained there until April 1915 when they relieved the French army in Beaumonth Hamel in Somme, France.   

On 1st July 1916, during the first Battle of the Somme, Edward was listed as missing in action, later that day his remains were located, and he was reported as killed in action. He was 36 years old.