Charles Barber Edrich

Story:
Charles Barber Edrich was born in Hautbois Magna, Norfolk, on 25 Apr 1877 and baptised there on 12 Aug 1877 the son of Robert Edrich and Anna Edrich (nee Frary).  He lived his early life in Hautbois Magna until he enlisted on 15 Aug 1894 with the Royal Horse Artillery as a Driver (Service No. 4045).  He served in India and South Africa with the 'A' Battery being awarded the Queen's South African Medal with 6 Clasps.    By 1901 he had been posted to Dorchester, Dorset, and acted as a Batman and Groom to an officer there.  He married Sarah Ann Jeanes at St. Mary's Church, Charminster, Dorset, on 11 Feb 1902.   He was discharged from the Army on 14 Aug 1906.   By 1911 he was living in Mappowder, Dorset, and sometime shortly after moved to The Stables, Iwerne Minster, Dorset, where he was employed as a Garden Labourer.  He was recalled to the Royal Field Artillery as a Driver on 14 Aug 1914 (Service No. 88803).  He served in France & Flanders but on 18 Jul 1916 he was transferred to the Royal Engineers (Labour Company) as a Private (Service No.43714).  On his discharge he was awarded the Victory and British War Medals as well as the 1914/15 Star.  He returned home to Iwerne Minster until 1928.  By the time of the 1939 Register he was living at 35 Colliton Street, Dorchester, Dorset, still working as a Garden Labourer.  His death was recorded at the Bridport, Dorset, Registry in 1954.