Edward enlisted on 5th February 1913. He was 17 years and 9 months old, and was a Labourer by trade. He entered the war in France on 13th September 1914, as part of the Regimental Medical Officer's team for the 12th Brigade. Royal Field Artillery. On 12th March and 12th May 1915 he was awarded field punishments whilst serving with the 19th Field Ambulance. He returned to the UK from France on 2nd September 1915, then served with the E.E. Force from 13th October 1915 to 13th October 1918, when he began his journey back to the UK, arriving on 24th December 1918. He was discharged "no longer physically fit for war service" on 5th March 1919 due to malaria. He was the son of Edward and Elizabeth O'Shea of 2 Millfield Cottages, Cork.