Acting Corporal Frederick William Edser

Thank you to Lenka Cathersides for the following research.

Frederick William Edser was born on 4^th July 1875 in Abinger, Surrey to butcher Harvey and Rachel (nee Read). He was baptised on 4^th September 1875 at St James’ Church, Abinger.

Frederick’s father Harvey was born in the 3^rd quarter of 1847 in Shere to bricklayer William, born about 1814, and Elizabeth, born about 1814, both in Abinger. Harvey was baptised on 5^th September 1847 in Abinger. His mother Rachel was born in the 4^th quarter of 1843 in Abinger to butcher Jabez, born 1816 Hockliffe, Bedfordshire and Anne born about 1812 in Shere. Rachel was baptised on 27^th May 1844 in Abinger. Harvey and Rachel married in the 3^rd quarter of 1872 in Hanover Square, London.

Frederick had two known siblings: Harvey born about 1874 and Charlotte R. born about 1878, both in Abinger.

At the time of the 1881 Census, the family lived in Abinger Hammer. Harvey was working as a butcher. The household further comprised of Harvey’s children: Harvey, Frederick and Charlotte; his mother in law, grocer, Anne Read; niece, servant, Elizabeth and nephews: butcher John Bartley and butcher’s boy James Read.

At the time of the 1891 Census, the family were still in Abinger Hammer. Harvey was still working as a butcher and his son Frederick was a butcher’s boy. The household further comprised of Harvey’s niece Elizabeth who was working as an assistant gardener and butcher.

At the time of the 1901 Census, the family lived at Linten Villa, Ashtead. Harvey was working as a bricklayer and Rachel was at home. The household further comprised of their children: bricklayer Frederick and Charlotte.

At the time of the 1911 Census, Frederick’s parents were in Ashtead. Harvey was still working as a bricklayer and Rachel was at home. The household further comprised of their visitors: Mabel, Madaline and Christopher Tanse and Jesse Baker. Rachel stated that she had given birth to four children. The accommodation had six rooms.

At the time of the 1911 Census, Frederick was working as a slaughter man for his grandfather Jabez Read in Abinger Hammer. The household had seven rooms.

Frederick’s father Harvey died in the 1^st quarter of 1912 in Guildford, Surrey.

Frederick enlisted in Guildford into the 34^th Battalion of the Royal Fusiliers. At the time of his enlistment he lived in Holmbury St Mary and was in the employ of the Surrey Trading Company. He was an Acting Corporal with regimental number 26631.

At the time of his death he was an Acting Corporal of the 101^st Company, the Labour Corps. His regimental number was 60347.

Frederick Edser died from the effects of gas poisoning on 15^th May 1918 in France.

He is buried at the St Sever Cemetery Extension, Rouen, France. His grave reference number is: Q.II.H.5. His headstone bears the inscription: “Thy Way Not Mine O Lord  However Dark It Be.”

He was awarded the British War and Victory medals.

His mother Rachel received £17, 11s and 2d on 10^th September 1918 and a further £12 and 10s on 1^st December 1919 in Soldier’s Effects. She lived in Surrey Trading Co., Holmbury St Mary.

Frederick’s brother Harvey Edser was an organist at St Joseph’s Church in Dorking.

Born	Abinger Hammer
Lived	Abinger and Holmbury St. Mary
Son of	Harvey and Rachel (nee Read) Edser
Enlisted	Guildford
Regiment	101st Company. The Labour Corps
Number	J/60347
Former Regiment	34th Battalion. The Royal Fusiliers
Number	26631
Date of Death	15th May 1918
Place of Death	France
Cause of Death	Gas poisoning
Age	43
Cemetery	St Sever Cemetery Extension, Rouen, France