Edward enlisted on 19th August 1914 and was embodied into the East Anglian Casualty Clearing Station, Territorial Force. He was 29 years and 10 months old; was a Plumber by trade; and was living in Earlscolne, Essex at the time. He served in the UK until 30th July 1915, when he joined the Mediterranean Expeditionary Force. His body was never found and was believed to have drowned on the sinking of H.M.T. "Royal Edward" on passage from Alexandria to Gallipoli. Edward was the son of William (deceased) and Eliza Claydon of High Street, Earls Colne, Essex.