Mexborough and Swinton Times of January 26, 1918

Swinton Soldier’s Death

A Military Funeral.

We sincerely regret to announce the death of private William Summerfield Edwards, K.O.Y.L.I. of 25. Rockingham road Swinton, who died at his home on Saturday from wounds received in action in France.

Private WS Edwards formally worked at the Manvers Main fitting shop. Enlisting in March 1916 he was trained at Clipstone Camp, and went to France in August. Later he contracted trench fever, recuperated and returned to duty.

On October 4 he was severely wounded by shrapnel in the neck and remained in a very critical state for two or three weeks. During this period his mother visited him out in France and at Saint Mark’s Hospital, Chelsea.

From the latter place he was transferred to St. Dunstan’s hospital. Just before Christmas he wasgranted one month’s leave from St Dunstan’s hospital and he returned home intending subsequently to learn a trade in the Home at Regent Park. Unfortunately as the result of his wounds, he was totally blind and upon arriving home suffered an immediate relapse. He was always optimistic and cheerful, never complaining, always believing he would some day regain his sight. On Saturday he became weaker, and expressed himself ready and unafraid to die.

“It was easy for him to die after what he had seen in France,” he had said. He passed away quietly, in the happy knowledge that he had served his country in its hour of need.

The interment took place at the Swinton Churchyard on ‘Wednesday.