Edwin had previously served with the 1st VB Loyal N Lancs Regiment for 1 year, and left because he moved from the district. He enlisted on 23rd January 1915 and was embodied into the East Anglian Casualty Clearing Station, Territorial Force. He was living at Easton Park, Wickham Market, Suffolk at the time. Edwin was promoted to acting Corporal on 10th February 1915, then gained the full rank of Corporal on 30th July 1915, when he embarked on the "Royal Edward" at Devonport. He arrived at Alexandria on the 11th August, then set sail to Gallipoli the next day. Edwin's 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. He was the son of William Henry and Agnes Godley of Ivy Bank, Worsley, Manchester.