SJT John Edwards MM 1/6 Seaforth Highlanders

[Hadders1]

I am trying to complete my research on  SJT   John Edward’s 1/6 Battalion Seaforth Highlanders.  I believe he was awarded the Military Medal in 1916.  His brother was SJT Alexander Flemming Edwards VC and his cousin was LT George Edwards DSO.   They all came from Lossiemouth Scotland. 
 

John was the only one of the three to survive  the war and left for the USA in 1920s.  I believe he ended the was a CSM.  
 

 In order to complete the family history project would like to find out more if possible about where John won the Military Medal and if possible what he did to win the medal.  
 

I have gone through the war diary but been able to find any reference to him.  The only papers are the medal index card and medal roll. 
 

can any one help me? 

[Ivor Anderson]

Welcome to the GWF.

Is this Sgt. John Edwards 1853 in LG 3 June 1916? https://www.thegazette.co.uk/London/issue/29608/supplement/5590

MM Index Card (schedule no. 22222): http://discovery.nationalarchives.gov.uk/details/r/D6156205

Edited 1 June , 2021 by Ivor Anderson

[Hadders1]

Hi Ivor 

Thanks  for the quick reply.  This is indeed  the Edwards that I looking for for I already have a copy of the gazette entry and have gone back 3 months in the war diaries but have found no mention of him receiving the award or being recommended. 
 

he was given leave to see his brother receive his VC at Buckingham Palace He arrived in Lossiemouth to find that his brother had left for London on the earlier train ton his way to London .   He had to leave on the Milk train the nex morning and I believe he made it in time. 
 

if any one is able to find out where he was when he won the medal or any details I would be really grateful as he was a mystery to family when I found his details. 

[Ivor Anderson]

That first major MM gazette contained many retrospective awards going back to 1915 as well as 1916.

It could be worth checking if there are any other 6th Seaforth awards in the same gazette. His MM Index card from TNA:

 

[Ivor Anderson]

Found 5 more from 1/6th Bn. on p.5596 & on p.5597 & 5598 of the same LG. It looks like they could have been for a significant action?

BUT, the MM index Cards for the 5 below have no schedule numbers and a different AO reference to Edwards (0137/2588, dated 12/5/1916).

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

[Ivor Anderson]

A lot of the 6th's 1916 WD has been transcribed here: https://www.greatwarforum.org/topic/236790-6th-seaforth-highlanders-16-battalion-war-diaries/

It looks likely that Edward's MM was for an individual/retrospective action.

The 52 Infantry Brigade or 51st Division AQMG war diaries may have some detail.

 

Edited 2 June , 2021 by Ivor Anderson

[esco]

2 hours ago, Ivor Anderson said:

Found 5 more from 1/6th Bn. on p.5596 & on p.5597 & 5598 of the same LG. It looks like they could have been for a significant action?

BUT, the MM index Cards for the 5 below have no schedule numbers and a different AO reference to Edwards (0137/2588, dated 12/5/1916).

These 5 M.Ms were awarded for actions during a German attack on the 28th April . They are mentioned , with , citations in Derek Bird,s "The Spirit Of The Troops Is Excellent " .

Unfortunately John Edwards is not mentioned in the book .

                                                                                                    

[Ivor Anderson]

Thanks Esco. It must be for an individual act of gallantry.

A detailed trawl backwards through the WD may give a clue: https://discovery.nationalarchives.gov.uk/details/r/C14055813

His MM may be a downgraded DCM or an upgraded MiD. He was in theatre from 1st May 1915 according to his star roll.

He finished up acting RSM (Ancestry medal roll):

 

[Ivor Anderson]

On 02/06/2021 at 08:16, esco said:

These 5 M.Ms were awarded for actions during a German attack on the 28th April . They are mentioned , with , citations in Derek Bird,s "The Spirit Of The Troops Is Excellent " .

Unfortunately John Edwards is not mentioned in the book .

 

If this is all the Bn. WD says about this significant defensive action that resulted in 5 MMS, we are unlikely to find any detail about Edwards'.

 

[Ivor Anderson]

I notice that CSM George Mason 103 of 1/6th SH is listed for a DCM in the same LG as the 6 MMs. His citation is in the 21/06/1916 LG. It is for good service rather than a specific act of gallantry. The immediate award MSM was created to fill this gap.I cannot see any MMs to the 1/5th Seaforths in the 3rd June LG?

 

[Hadders1]

Thanks guys I’m going I have looked through and can’t find any mention of his award.   Will try again with fort George and see if they are able to shed any light on it.  Hoping there may be a mention in  the  regimental magazines. 
Also will try the Press and journal (local newspaper for any mention).  
thanks again guys, if anyone is able to shed any light be very grateful   Would be good to gone the on laws details about his award  

 

[Ivor Anderson]

These MMs may be listed in the Divisional A&QMG war diary: https://discovery.nationalarchives.gov.uk/details/r/C14055771

EDIT: Found the 5 mentioned above in report of 13th May 1916 (attached below). No sign of Edwards? Perhaps listed in April?

There are other awards listed to the 1/6th Seaforths at the end of September 1916 in the 51st Div. WD.

Edited 18 July , 2021 by Ivor Anderson
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