Irving enlisted on 4th October 1915. He was 33 years and 357 days old, was a cotton weaver by trade; and was living at 249 Railway Street, Nelson at the time. He joined at Aldershot the following day, then after only eight days, on the 12th October 1915, he embarked on the SS Golden Eagle and disembarked in Boulogne, France. He then went to Etaples, where he joined the St. John Ambulance Brigade Hospital. His first good conduct badge was granted on 4th October 1917. On 21st January 1918 he was transferred to the 130th (St John) Field Ambulance, but was gassed on 28th March 1918 and admitted to the 51st Casualty Clearing Station. He was then transported by ambulance train on to No. 7 General Hospital at Rouen arriving on the 31st March 1918. On 7th April 1918 he was sent to St. Omer after recovery and two days later joined the Cyclists Base Depot at Rouen. On 14th April he was posted back to the 130th (St John) Field Ambulance joining them ‘in the field’. On 4th September 1918 he was gassed for a second time and was admitted to the 131st Field Ambulance and then passed on to the 59th Casualty Clearing Station. Again he was transported by train to Rouen but this time to No. 9 General Hospital arriving on 6th September 1918. He was then put on H.M.H.S. “Carisbrooke Castle”, and arrived back in the UK on 8th September 1918. Irving died on 14th November 1918 from pneumonia at Birchill Hospital, Dearnley near Rochdale. The pneumonia was thought to be a consequence of the gas attacks. He was the son of James and Mary Edmondson and the husband of Arabella Edmondson. [Information researched and kindly provided by Chris Ludlam]