Rifleman Willoughby Edge

Willoughby Edge was the son of Albert and Alice Edge, of Cheshire. He was 5’ 7”, with blue eyes and brown hair. He married Gwennie May (Williamson) Edge at Bunbury, Cheshire on 14 September 1935. They had three children, Gordon, 17 April 1939, Roy, 18 May 1940 and Avril, 21 September 1942.

He enlisted in the General Service Corps on 6 January 1944 and was posted to 1st (Airborne) Battalion, Royal Ulster Rifles on 4 October 1944. Rifleman Edge successfully completed Glider training and took part in Operation Varsity (Rhine crossing)

He received a gunshot wound to the abdomen on 24 March 1945 (the day of the landings) and was, according to his Platoon Commander, Lt Hanna, well cared for by German Medics until his death on 2 April 1945, aged 33. He had a field burial at Issum, Germany and was re-interred to Reichswald Forest War Cemetery on 15 January 1947 

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