Edward William Broomfield

Story:
Edward William Broomfield was born in 1886 in Harbridge, Ringwood, Hampshire. He was the son of Harry Jesse Broomfield, a Gamekeeper, and Fanny Matilda Broomfield (née Cook). His siblings included Frederick John Robert, born in 1884, who also died in the war. At the time of enlistment Edward was single, working as a Gamekeeper and living in Melbury Abbas, Dorset. The family was living at the Grove Arms, Ludwell, Donhead St. Mary, Wiltshire, where his father was the licensee. Edward enlisted in Chichester and joined the 7th Battalion of the Royal Sussex Regiment (Service No. G/2674). He served in British Expeditionary Force in France from 24 Jul 1915 and at the time of his death held the rank of Lance Corporal. He was declared dead on 20th November 1917 and his name appears on the Cambrai Memorial, Louverval, France (Panel 7). He was awarded the Victory and British War Medals as well as the 1915 Star. He is remembered on the war memorial at Ludwell. Edward's other siblings were also involved in the conflict: Arthur, Ernest, Walter James and Harry all served but survived as did Percy William Norman, the husband of his sister, Eva Theresa Rose.