Thank you to Lenka Cathersides and Wendy Shuttleworth for the following research.
Edgar Buckee was born on 27th July 1896 in Dorking, Surrey to labourer James Buckee and Eliza Buckee nee Wren. He was baptised on 28th October 1896 at St Martin’s Church. The family were living in North Street.
Edgar’s father James was born in the 3rd quarter of 1850 in Clerkenwell, London to copper smith Edward, born about 1821 and Mary, born about 1822, both in St Andrew’s, Middlesex. His mother Eliza Wren was born in the 4th quarter of 1862 in Dorking to carpenter William, born about 1819 and Mary A. Wren, born about 1819, both in Dorking. James and Eliza married in the 2nd quarter of 1881 in Dorking.
Edgar had six siblings: Edward born about 1886; James born about 1888 ; Alice born about 1891; Henry born about 1893; Edwin born about 1897 and Sydney born about 1901, all in Dorking.
On 3rd April 1899 Edgar was admitted into St Martin’s Church of England School for infants. At the time of his admission the family lived at 14 North Street. He left the school on 18th June 1909.
At the time of the 1901 Census, the family were still at 14 North Street. James was still working as a general labourer and Eliza was at home looking after their children: Edward, James, Alice, Henry, Edgar, Ewin and Sydney.
At the time of the 1911 Census, the family were at 7 North Street. James was still labouring and Eliza was at home. The household further comprised of their children: labourer Henry, Edwin, Edgar and Sydney. Eliza stated that she had given birth to seven children. The accommodation had four rooms.
Edgar Buckee served as a Boy II Class on HMS Vivid I from 13th August 1913 to 28th October 1913. His service number was J26215. He attested on 27th July 1914 into the Royal Navy for 12 years. At the time of his attestation he was working as a warehouse boy. He had light brown hair, grey eyes and a fresh complexion.
Later, he enlisted in London into the 1st (Royal) Dragoons, Household Cavalry and Cavalry of the Line (including Yeomanry and Imperial Camel Corps). He became a Lance Corporal and his regimental number was D/10692. At the time of his enlistment he lived in Dorking.
Edgar Buckee died in an action on 23rd March 1918 in France. His body was never found.
He is commemorated on the Pozieres Memorial on Panel 2.
He received the British War and Victory medals.
His parents lived at 7 North Street in Dorking.
| Born | Dorking, Surrey | |
|---|---|---|
| Lived | Dorking, Surrey | |
| Son of | James and Eliza Buckbee of 7 North Street, Dorking | |
| Regiment | 1st Royal Dragoons, Household Cavalry | |
| Number | D/10692 | |
| Date of Death | 23rd March 1918 | |
| Place of Death | Somme, France | |
| Cause of Death | Killed in action | |
| Age | 22 | |
| Memorial | Pozieres Memorial, Somme, France |
