1. Gwen Downes (Edward’s daughter)
Edward Henry Mitchard
Born: October,
1897
As told by:
Gwen Downes (Edward’s daughter)
A Century’s Memories
- Edward was a private in the war from and he fought in France and Belgium as a sniper.
Edward in the Somerset Light Infantry (right).
Edward convalescing at Aldershot hospital (below).
- In Ypres (or Wipers as the soldiers called it) he travelled down a road called Hellfire Corner.
- After being fired on by aircraft, Edward was caught up on two separate occasions, suffering injuries to his back, chest and arms. Each time he returned to fight and amazingly survived the war.
- Edward was often very hungry. It was hard to get rations to the men as the mules which carried them were reluctant to go to the front line.
Once, Edward had to share one loaf of bread
with 20 men!
Families often sent parcels to their fathers and brothers fighting at the front. The parcels contained presents of chocolate, cake, tobacco and tinned food (left).

2. Gwen Downes (Edward’s daughter)
A Century’s Memories
Edward pictured with the nurses whilst recovering from injury (right).
Edward Henry Mitchard
Born: October,
1897
As told by:
Gwen Downes (Edward’s daughter)
- Gwen Downes, Edward’s daughter, recounts her father’s experiences of life in the trenches and in the war in general. Gwen has visited the trenches herself.