MASON ARGUE SGT(AG) R184880. From Toronto, Ontario. Killed In Action Oct.22/43 age 19. #158 Squadron (Strength In Unity). Halifax aircraft # LW 297 was shot down at Holzhaussen, Germany during a night trip to Kassel, Germany. Sgt.s G.T. Boswell (RAF), J. Cahill (RAF), J.B. Cameron (RAF), M.E. Cipriani (RAF), A.J. Richards (RAF), and F. Wilkinson (RAF) were also killed. One other member of the crew, not Canadian, missing believed killed. Sergeant Air Gunner Edwards was buried in the south-east corner of the Holzhausen Cemetery, exhumed, and reburied in the Limmer British Cemetery at Hanover, Germany.

CHARLES STANLEY RUTHERFORD SGT(AG) R69694. From Woodstock, Ontario. Killed In Action Jul.7/41 age 20. #115 Squadron (Despite The Elements), Marham, Norfolk, England. Target - Munster, Germany. Please see Strachan W.A. for casualty list and flight detail. Sergeant Air Gunner Edwards has no known grave, his name is inscribed on the Runnymede War Memorial, Englefield Green, Egham, Surrey, England.

DUDLEY JACK F/O(P) J21619. From Excel, Alberta. Killed Feb.25/43 age 20. #403 Wolf Squadron (Stalk And Strike). F/O. Edwards was flying in clouds and lost control of his Spitfire aircraft # BF 287. He was killed when the aircraft went into a spin and crashed at Stone Green Farm, Marsham, England. Flying Officer Pilot Edwards is buried in the Brookwood Military Cemetery, Woking, Surrey, England.

GEORGE SYDNEY FS(P) R71736. From Toronto, Ontario. Killed In Action Nov.28/42 age 20. #249 Squadron (Pugnis Et Calcibus). FS. Edwards lost his life after he received a homing fix to Malta and then flew his Spitfire aircraft in the opposite direction. Flight Sergeant Pilot Edwards has no known grave, his name is inscribed on the Malta War Memorial, Malta.

HARRY DAVIES P/O(P) 41837 - Royal Air Force. From Winnipeg, Manitoba. Killed In Action Oct.7/40 age 24. #92 Squadron (Aul Pugna Aut Morere). P/O. Edwards fought in the Battle of Dunkirk and was shot down during the Battle of Britain. He was killed when his Spitfire aircraft crashed at Smeeth, Kent. P/O. Edwards was an ace credited with having destroyed five enemy aircraft. He once downed a German Heinkel aircraft then landed beside it to help the crew to get out of their burning bomber. Pilot Officer Pilot Edwards is buried in the New Cemetery, Folkestone, Kent, England.

JOHN HARVEY F/O(P) J21216//R109350. From Vancouver, British Columbia. Killed In Action Apr.7/43 age 21. #405 City of Vancouver Squadron (Ducimus), Pathfinder Force. Halifax aircraft lost. Please see Stuart R.V. for casualty list and flight detail. Flying Officer Pilot Edwards is buried in the Communal Cemetery, St. Martin, on lie de Re, in the Bay of Biscay, Charenet-Maritime, France.

LLOYD GEORGE WO2(P) R69087. From Sault St. Marie, Ontario. Killed In Action Oct.10/42 age 20. #92 Squadron (Aut Pugna Aut Morere). WO. Edwards was killed when he made a belly landing in his Spitfire aircraft in the sea 400 yards off the coast, twenty five miles west of Daba. WO. Edwards had been injured on October 12, 1941 when he crashed at Horstead Hall in Spitfire # P 7971 . He was landing when he crashed one mile south of the aerodrome at Cotishall. Warrant Officer Class II Pilot Edwards is buried in the Hadra Cemetery, Alexandria, Egypt.

MEDWYN P/O(OB) J7790. From Corwin, North Wales. Killed In Action May.29/42 age 31. #415 Swordfish Squadron (Ad Metam). Hampden aircraft lost. Please see Sargent D.H. for casualty list and flight detail. Pilot Officer Observer Edwards has no known grave, his name is inscribed on the Runnymede War Memorial, Englefield Green. Egham, Surrey, England.

RALPH THEODORE SGT(P) R84371. From Norfolk, Virginia, U.S.A. Killed Apr.2/42 age 25. #101 Operational Training Unit. Tiger Moth aircraft crashed. Please see P/O. R.L. Keniston for flight detail. Sergeant Pilot Edwards is buried in the Burial Ground at Kidlington, Oxfordshire, England.

ROBERT GEORGE SGT(WAG) R125516. From Chapleau, Ontario. Killed In Action Jul.31/43 age 20. #408 Goose Squadron (For Freedom). Halifax aircraft # JD 365 was shot down over Cologne, Germany during night operations against Remscheid, Germany. Sgt.s F. Berry (RAF), A.E. Chalk (RAF), J. Crammond (RAF), and W.L. Reed (RAF) were also killed. Two of the crew, not Canadians, were taken Prisoners Of War. Sergeant Wireless Operator Air Gunner Edwards has no known grave, his name is inscribed on the Runnymede War Memorial, Englefield Green, Egham, Surrey, England.

ROBERT WILLIAM SGT(AG) R180425. From Winnipeg, Manitoba. Killed In Action Jan.21/44 age 21. #419 Moose Squadron (Moosa Aswayita). Target - Magdeburg, Germany. Please see Tobin W.B. for casualty list and flight detail. Sergeant Air Gunner Edwards is buried in the Berlin War Cemetery, Charlottenburg, Germany.

RUSSELL IRWIN FS(AG) R153973. From Toronto, Ontario. Killed In Action Mar.13/43 age 20. #199 Squadron (Let Tyrants Tremble). Wellington aircraft # HZ 263 missing during night operations, location unknown, presumed enemy action. Four of the crew, not Canadians, missing believed killed. Flight Sergeant Air Gunner Edwards is buried in the General Cemetery, Bergen, Holland.

WILLIAM EARL SGT(AG) R191580. From London, Ontario. Killed In Action Dec.21 /43 age 19. #78 Squadron (Nemo Non Paratus). Halifax aircraft # LW 330 was returning from a night trip to Frankfurt, Germany when it struck the ground at a steep angle, disintegrated and burst into flames at Howden, Yorkshire. Sgt. J.M. Blake and five of the crew, not Canadians, were also killed. Sergeant Air Gunner Edwards is buried in the Stonefall Cemetery, Wetherby Road, Harrogate, Yorkshire, England.

ALBERT GORDON F/L(N) J13417//R156042. From Bolton, Ontario. Killed In Action Mar.15/45 age 23. #431 Iroquois Squadron (The Hatiten Ronteriios). Target - Hagen, Germany. Please see Repsys P.P. for casualty list and flight detail. Flight Lieutenant Navigator Edwards is buried in the Communal Cemetery, Perwez, Brabant, Belgium.

H.D. 41837. P/O. Edwards was killed on September 11, 1940, not October 07, 1940. Detail provided by F. McAfee, Regina, SK.

EDWARDS, Flight Lieutenant Robert Martin (30018) - Air Force Cross - No.426 Squadron - Awarded as per Canada Gazette dated 3 January 1953 and AFRO 10/53 dated 9 January 1953. Born in Lucky Lake, Saskatchewan), 20 August 1928; family moved to Winnipeg; in Air Cadets and also flew with Winnipeg Flying Club, obtaining license in 1946. Enlisted 1947, began flying training in January 1948 and graduated at the top of his class. Attended an Air Armament course, Trenton, before posting to No.426 Squadron. Press Release 7779 (December 1950) stated he had done training flights to Europe, Arctic re-supply, work on "Sweetbriar" and relief flights during "Redramp". Obituary notice said, in part that he “enjoyed a highly successful career that spanned nearly thirty years. Highlights of his career include flying sixty Pacific crossings during the Korean War, being awarded one of only eight Air Force Crosses during the war for landing a severely damaged aircraft in adverse conditions, and serving as equerry to HM Queen Elizabeth for her tour of Canada. He retired from the Air Force with the rank of Brigadier General, and enjoyed a successful civilian flying career in Calgary after his retirement.” Died in Calgary, 14 July 2005. See article by Stuart Logan, “Cherry Blossoms in the Cockpit”, Airforce Magazine, Volume 21, No.1 (Spring 1997) describing an incident on 19 April 1951 when, owing to a faulty approach chart for Ashiya, a North Star struck trees on a mountainside but kept flying. Edwards was a passenger but was deemed the most experienced pilot aboard and effected a landing, although at that point he was flying on two engines, had no altimeter and was unsure of the state of the landing gear. See also article by David Anderson, “Brigadier General Bob Edwards, AFC, CD, 1928-2005", Airforce Magazine, Volume 29, No.3 (Autumn 2005). // Flight Lieutenant Edwards, a post war pilot graduate of the Royal Canadian Air Force, has served with 426 Transport Squadron on the Korean Airlift since its inception. In his capacity as captain and pilot of North Star aircraft he has in support of the United Nations operations in Korea participated in twenty-six round trips to the Far East over the eleven thousand nautical mile route. Throughout these flight, which have on many occasions necessitated flying through some of the most adverse weather conditions in the world, he has carried out his allotted tasks in an exemplary manner. The high sense of duty which he has exhibited and his exceptional ability and resourcefulness as a pilot have contributed immeasurably to the successful achievements of 426 Transport Squadron.

EDWARDS, 2nd Lieutenant Harold Leslie - Distinguished Flying Cross - awarded as per London Gazette dated 3 December 1918. Born in Franktown, Ontario, 28 April 1893. Home in Smiths Falls, Ontario (chauffeur and mechanic). Interviewed at Perth, Ontario, 17 June 1915 (130th Battalion, CEF). Formally enlisted, 5 December 1915. Sailed from Halifax, 28 September 1916 aboard SS Lapland, arriving in England 6 October 1916. To 12th Battalion, 9 October 1916. To 38th Battalion, 14 November 1916 for service d in France. Promoted Corporal, 9 October 1916. Reverted to the ranks, 20 October 1916. Promoted Corporal again, 27 March 1917. Admitted to No.3 General Hospital, Boulogne, 8 April 1917 (gunshot wounds, left shoulder and right leg). To London, 12 April 1917. To Canadian Convalescent Hospital, Bromley, Kent, 2 May 1917. Discharged 11 June 1917. 787002 Corporal H.L. Edwards awarded MM, 28 May 1917 or 14 June 1917. To 7th Reserve Battalion, 26 July 1917. On command to RFC Hastings, 24 October 1917. To No.5 School of Military Aeronautics, 22 February 1918. Appointed Flight Cadet, RAF, and commissioned, 31 May 1918. To BEF, 21 July 1918; with No.20 Squadron, 27 July to 21 October 1918. To Canada, date uncertain; discharged in Toronto, 1 July 1919. Planned to reside there after medical treatment. DND file 745-E-41 contains correspondence re 2nd Lieutenant Harold Leslie Edwards, DFC, as Department wanted to deliver to him his DFC. He was thought to be in Franktown, but the search appears to have been unsuccessful. He flew in No.20 Squadron with two other Canadians - Captain H.P. Lale and Lieutenant W.M. Thomson; his name was given variously as H. Edwards and H.L. Edwards. Hospitalized, 26 October 1918; to England, 31 October 1918. For long victory list see Air 1/168/15/156/6 in MG.40 D.1 Vol.5. Died 15 June 1951. While on offensive patrol, during 16th September, this officer with nine other machines, engaged twelve enemy scouts. In the combat that ensued he destroyed one, his pilot accounting for a second, and they took part in destroying a third. In all, Second Lieutenant Edwards has accounted for nine enemy machines, setting an excellent example of gallantry worthy of high praise. Wikipedia has what appears to be the Combat Report of 16 September 1918 which led to the award: Whilst on Offensive Patrol with 9 Bristol Fighters, 12 Fokker Bi-planes were attacked on the same level over St. Quentin . About 8 more E.A. joined the fight from above. These however were attacked by a formation of Dolphins which was above the E.A. A dog fight ensued, which ended in all the E.A. being either brought down or driven away. The Leader of the Bristol Fighter formation, Machine No. E2154 (Pilot – Lt.Thomson. Observer – 2/Lt.Edwards) dived on 1 E.A. firing about 100 rounds at close range. This E.A. suddenly spun slowly down and crashed in some trenches N.E. of St. Quentin . Lt.Thomson then saw another E.A. falling past him, obviously out of control, and, diving on it, fired about 100 rounds at point blank range. This E.A. had been attacked by Machine No. C951 (Pilot – Lt.Strachan. Observer 2/Lt.Calderwood) who started it in its spin and eventually saw it crash N.W. of St. Quentin . 2/Lt/Edwards (observer in Machine No.E2154, Pilot – Lt.Thomson) fired about 200 rounds with double guns at an E.A. which was diving on a Bristol Fighter on his right. The E.A. fell over and over and hit the ground near St. Quentin . This is confirmed by Lt.Boulton, Pilot in Machine No. E2493. Lt.Iaccaci, DFC. And Sergt.Howland, DFM., in Machine No.E2213 found themselves under a Fokker Bi-plane and the Observer fired nearly a whole drum at it. Lt.H.E.Johnston and 2/Lt.E.S.Harvey in Machine No.C4718 were attacked by an E.A. from below. Lt.Harvey fired two bursts at this E.A. which spun slowly down but was not watched all the way. This is confirmed by Lt.Iaccaci (sub-leader of Lt.Johnston’s formation). Machine C951 (Pilot – Lt.Strachan, Observer –2/Lt.Calderwood) was attacked by five E.A. on the same level, three of which were engaged by the Observer, who put about 100 rounds into one, at 150 yards range; this E.A turned off and dived down, leaving a heavy trail of black smoke and eventually crashed near Omissy. A second E.A. was sent down in a slow spin over St. Quentin , but could not be watched to the ground. The remainder of the E.A. broke off the fight. The leader of Patrol in E2154 (Pilot – Lt.Thomson, Observer – 2/Lt.Edwards) was attacked from below and from the side and the Observer got in about 100 rounds at 50 yards range at one trying to get under the tail. This E.A. went down out of control and was seen to crash near OMISSY. Another E.A. was driven down out of control by the Pilot, but could not be watched to the ground. (Signed) W.M.Thomson and Lieut. (Signed) H.L.Edwards. 2nd/Lieut.[ Notes on Military Medal: From Wikipedia: For conspicuous gallantry on early morning of 26 March 1917 near Souchez. The enemy blew a camouflet at 5.20 a.m. and broke into one of our Mining Shafts. The force of the explosion burst in the sides of a dug-out near one of the Mine Galleries. Twenty men were in the dug-out when the explosion occurred. Three of these managed to make their way out but the remainder were unable to gain the surface. About a dozen men were standing in the trench near the dug-out entrance, amongst whom were CPL. RAINFORD, SGT. BRISCOE, PTES. EDWARDS and CAREY. These men, without consideration of their own safety, and also having seen the gas flame rush from the mouth of the dug-out, singeing the hair and burning the faces of some, entered the dug-out and succeeded in bringing 10 men to the surface. The remaining seven men were found to be killed. These men assisted in the work of resuscitation of those overcome by gas. The men rescued were badly burned and gassed and must have been overcome by fumes but for the prompt and gallant action of these men. Some of the rescuers themselves were badly affected by the gas. These four men have been selected from the rescuers as being those who rendered the best services. Their prompt and gallant action undoubtedly saved the loss of 10 of their comrades and it is considered that they are fully deserving of an Immediate Reward. (A.F.B. 3121. April 18, 1917 - War Diary for the month of March 1917 of the 38th Canadians, pages 5 and 6 (the names of the rescuers are not stated) There exists some confusion regarding the awarding of the Military Medal to this man. The action cited on his Medal Card for the action on March 26, 1917, refers to him as Private Edwards though he had been a corporal since November 23, 1916. A publication of Kingswood House in Dulwich, which was leased by Massey-Harris for convalescing Canadian soldiers, the Kingswood Bulletin, cites the following action: More Honours For Kingswood Men One of the most interesting items in the programme at our Empire Day fete, was the presentation of Medals won for distinguished conduct at the Front, by three of our patients. The Distinguished Conduct Medal was awarded to 107065, Private T. N. Armit, of the 2nd C.M.R.’s, and the Military Medal to 787002, Corporal H. L. Edwards, of the 38th Battalion, and to 18421, Lance-Corporal V. Eryl, of the 52nd Battalion. Mrs. Raynolds, on pinning the coveted medals on the men’s breasts, in a few well-chosen words, expressed the pride and pleasure which all those connected with Kingswood experienced in having such brave men in the Home, and in hearing of their noble deeds. Needless to say, the three heroes of the day were very heartily cheered by their comrades. The brave deed which merited even a higher distinction for Corporal Edwards, is worthy of mention. During the desperate fighting at Vimy Ridge on the memorable ninth of April, the advance of his company was held up by a well-handled machine-gun and its crew of six Germans. The gun and its crew were well sheltered in a large shell crater, protected in front by barbed wire entanglements. Five separate attempts to advance in front and capture the gun were made by parties of volunteers, two at a time, but they fell one by one. Corporal Edwards and a comrade then worked their way round the flank, taking cover over the uneven shell-pitted ground, took the Germans by surprise, disposed of five by rifle, bayonet and revolver, and carried back the gun and the remaining German as a prisoner. Corporal Edwards and his comrade immediately made good use of the captured machine gun against other bodies of German troops. Corporal Edwards hails from Smiths’ Falls, his father is Major Edwards of the 240th Battalion, and his uncle is a Captain in the same Battalion. He also has a brother a Sergeant in the Canadian Army—truly a fine family record. —From report of Resident Secretary.

EDWARDS, Flight Commander Stearne Tighe - Distinguished Service Cross - awarded as per London Gazette dated 2 November 1917. Born in Franktown, 13 February 1893; home in Carleton Place, Ontario (railway construction worker); attended Wright School, Dayton, Ohio and received ACA Certificate No.350 on 13 October 1915. Appointed Probationary Flight Sub-Lieutenant, Ottawa, 31 October 1915; at Eastchurch, 9 April 1916; with No.3 (N) Wing, 30 April 1916 to 9 March 1917; with No.11 (N) Squadron, 19 March to 22 April 1917; with No.6 (N) Squadron, 23 April to 18 July 1917; with No.9 (N) Squadron (No.209 Squadron after 1 April 1918), 10 August to 10 November 1917 and again from 29 January to 23 May 1918 (leave in Canada between these two postings). At No.38 Training Depot Station, 16 October 1918; injured in flying accident, 12 November 1918; died of injuries 22 November 1918. See biography by Hugh Halliday, “Stearne Tighe Edwards: Ace of Naval Nine”, Journal of the Canadian Aviation Historical Society, Volume 39, No.1 (Spring 1999). // In recognition of his services on the following occasions:- // On the 3rd September 1917, with his flight he attacked a two-seater Aviatik. The enemy machine was observed to go down in a vertical nose dive, and the enemy observer was seen to collapse in the cockpit. // On the 21st September 1917 he drove a two-seater enemy machine down out of control. // On the 23rd September 1917 he attacked an Albatross scout, which crashed into the sea. // On the same date he attacked three Albatross scouts. One got on the tail of another officer's machine at very close range, shooting him up very badly. Flight Commander Edwards attacked him from above, and the enemy machine turned on its back and went down in a vertical dive. He followed the enemy machine down to 8,000 feet, when its wings came off, and it fell to the ground. // Public Record Office file AIR 1/1031/204/5/1434, “Honours and Awards, Royal Flying Corps, December 1916 to August 1917" has recommendation dated 30 September 1917; provided courtesy of Frank Olynyk (CD images5736 and 5737). // On the 23rd of September 1917, Commander [sic] Edwards attacked three Albatross Scouts half a miles northeast of Dixmude. One enemy aircraft got on the tail of Flight Sub-Lieutenant Ingleson’s machine at very close range, shooting him up very badly. Flight Commander Edwards attacked from above and the enemy aircraft turned on his back and went down in a vertical dive. He followed the enemy machine down to 8,000 feet when its wings came off. The machine fell somewhere close to the Yser Canal just north of Dixmude (confirmed by a Belgian officer). // Again on September the 23rd, 1917 he attacked an Albatross Scout over Mariakerke which crashed in the sea near Ostende (confirmed by a Belgian aviator). // On the 21st of September 1917 Flight Commander Edwards accounted for an enemy two-seater machine which he drove down out of control over Zarren at 5.00 p.m. (confirmed by Flight Sub-Lieutenant Redgate). // On the 3rd of September 1917 he with his flight attacked a two-seater Aviatik over Middelkerke. The enemy machine was observed to go down in a vertical nose dive, and the enemy observer was seen to collapse in the cockpit. // This officer has been on Active Service for the last 15 months during which time he has done excellent work and over 250 hours war flying. // EDWARDS, Lieutenant (Temporary Captain) Stearne Tighe - Bar to Distinguished Service Cross - awarded as per London Gazette dated 21 June 1918. // For conspicuous bravery and most brilliant leadership of fighting patrols against enemy aircraft. On the 2nd May, 1918, whilst leading a patrol of four scouts, he encountered a hostile formation of eight enemy scouts and drove down one enemy machine completely out of control. Soon afterwards he engaged another formation of six enemy scouts, driving down one to its destruction whilst his patrol accounted for another. He only broke off the fight owing to lack of ammunition. He has destroyed or driven down out of control many enemy machines since he was awarded the Distinguished Service Cross, and has at all times shown the greatest gallantry and a fine offensive spirit. // NOTE: Public Record Office Air 1/1859/204/214/17 (selected copies held by National Archives of Canada, MG.40 D.1 Vol.30) has recommendation by Major Butler, No.209 Squadron, 4 May 1918, to Commanding Officer, 22nd Wing, Royal Air Force. Although detailed, it describes Edwards' exploits in reverse chronological sequence, including all major combats since award of DSC, quoting directly from his combat reports: // I wish to recommend the undermentioned officer for immediate award for marked skill and gallantry in aerial fighting during the present operations, particularly on the occasions mentioned hereon and since the award of the DSC to this Officer: // Captain S.T. Edwards, DSC // May 2nd 1918 (a) "Whilst on H.O.P., observed 10 e.a. scouts flying east along the Grand-Prix Road. I followed them as far as Brie on the Somme but was unable to gain much on them and could not get within effective range. Had just turned east when I observed 8 Albatross Scouts below us at 12,000 feet over Brie. I attacked with flight and followed them down to 8,000 feet. I got a long burst at long range into one enemy aircraft and it immediately stalled and started a slow spin. I was unable to watch it owing to the combat but Lieutenant Edwards saw it spin until under 1,000 feet where the haze was thick and he lost it. As the first flight of enemy aircraft which I had followed east were now above us and had commenced to dive I broke off and flew west. // (b) I was flying west along the Grand-Prix Road when I observed 6 Albatross Scouts with bright red noses over Cayeux at 8,000 feet. Attacked with flight and in the first dive I fired 100 rounds at very close range into the rear machine. It went down in a turning dive and was seen to crash by Lieutenant's Siddall and Edwards. The combat lasted about 10 minutes and I used all my ammunition without further result. All the pilots of the flight (5) were attacking continuously and I observed one of them to go very close to an enemy aircraft and open fire. The enemy aircraft went down in a turning vertical dive and appeared to be completely out of control. Only four of the enemy aircraft were left when I broke off combat owing to lack of ammunition." // April 12th, 1918 "Whilst on Inner Offensive Patrol, we were over Villers-Brittoneux when I observed A.A. over Amiens and climbed in that direction. Observed E.AS. coming directly towards me and at my height. I got into position close under its tail and fired one long burst. The enemy aircraft went into a spin and crashed at Sheet 62B N99." (Confirmed in RAF communique No.2) Crashed this side of lines. // April 2nd, 1918 "Whilst on Reserve Patrol south of Hallam I observed six enemy aircraft pass from beneath a cloud 300 feet directly under out formation. I attacked and [word - maybe line - not copied clearly] stalled and dived vertically. I followed for 3,000 feet and as enemy aircraft seemed to be regaining control, I opened fire again. The enemy aircraft turned on its back and went into a vertical dive and immediately broke up, the pieces narrowly missing my machine. I then attacked another enemy aircraft together with Lieutenant Siddall. After a short combat the enemy aircraft turned on its back and went down completely out of control." (Confirmed RAF Communique No.1). // October 27th, 1917 "Whilst on Hostile Artillery Aeroplane Emergency Patrol, observed nine enemy aircraft scouts diving on four Camels slightly above us over Slype. Made for Camels as quickly as possible but had not quite reached them when enemy aircraft opened fire on them and one Camel went down in a vertical dive and was not seen to pull out. I soon came within range of enemy aircraft and attacked. One enemy aircraft went into a turning vertical dive and appeared to be completely out of control. It fell into clouds at 2,000 feet and could not be observed further." // October 2nd, 1917 "When returning from Zeebrugge whilst on escort, I observed five two-seaters over Slype. Attacked with flight at 50 yards range and saw the enemy aircraft at which I was firing stall and spin down on its back completely out of control. The enemy aircraft was watched by two members of my flight until it reached a very low altitude and it was not seen to regain control." (Confirmed by No.4 Wing Communique RNAS). // September 29th, 1917 "Whilst on escort, was returning from Zeebrugge with DH.4 bombers when I met three two-seater Albatross. They immediately dived steeply and I followed to 2,000 feet over Middlekerke firing continuously when one enemy aircraft went into vertical dive and appeared to be out of control. Owing to very heavy AA fire I did not attempt to watch the enemy aircraft but turned for the lines. The remainder of my flight was above and saw two of the enemy aircraft flying east but lost sight of them. // September 28th, 1917 "Whilst on H.O.P, observed one Albatross scout just over our lines. Attacked and followed the enemy aircraft down to 700 feet when it went down out of control and crashed in the floods opposite Pervyse." (Confirmed by 4th Army Signals Station). // I wish to particularly recommend this officer as a Leader of great judgement and skill. His flight has done very well. // Public Record Office Air 1/1217/204/5/2634/6 N (copied into National Library and Archives, MG.40 D.1 Volume 21) has the following Combat Report from his service with No.6 (Naval) Squadron. // 4 June 1917 // Type of Aeroplane: Nieuport N.3102 // Armament: Vickers // Pilot: Flight Lieutenant S.T. Edwards // Time: 12.20 p.m. // Duty: Chasing H.A. // Locality: North of Havrincourt Wood // Height: 14,800 feet // Remarks on Hostile Aircraft: Two-seater. Much faster than Nieuport. // Narrative // H.A. passed over aerodrome. Went in pursuit and followed it north to about Arras, when it recrossed the lines. // On return journey saw another H.A. being shelled just north of Havrincourt Wood. Got under it at about 200 feet (unable to get higher) and attempted to use the Lewis on my top plane. It jammed without firing. // Got a series of bursts at it by stalling, with Vickers. After firing one burst in return, the H.A. turned for the lines and quickly climbed out of range. Followed it across the lines and returned. // Apparently the H.A. was not hit, or if so not seriously. // Copies of the following Combat Reports found in his biographical file at DHH: // 12 April 1918 // Type of Aeroplane: Sopwith BR-1 // Armament: two synchronized Vickers guns // Pilot: Captain Edwards and flight // Time: 1.15 p.m. // Duty: I.O.P. // Locality: east of Amiens. // Height: 15,000 feet // Remarks on Hostile Aircraft: Two-seater reconnaissance. // Narrative // We were over Villers Brettonneaux when I observed A.A. over Amiens and climbed in that direction. Observed E.A. coming directly towards me and at my height. I got into position close under his tail and fired one long burst. The E.A. went into a spin and crashed at 62 D N.9. // Observed E.A. over Allonville flying S.W. Got close behind about 500 feet below and opened fire. The E.A. turned East. I followed with six Camels and chased the E.A. beyond the lines, when all the guns were out of ammunition. The E.A. was apparently not hit. [signed by Major C.H. Butler and annotated “decisive”.] // 2 May 1918 // Type of Aeroplane: B7199 // Pilot: Captain S.T. Edwards, DSC // Time: 6.15 and 6.45 p.m. // Locality: (a) Brie (b) Cayeux // Height: (a) 12,000 feet (b) 8,000 feet // Remarks on Hostile Aircraft: Albatross scouts, D-5s.. // Narrative // (a) Observed ten E.A. scouts flying east along the Grand Prix Road. I followed them as far as Brie on the Somme but was unable to gain much on them and could not get within effective range. Had just turned East when I observed eight Albatross scouts below us at 12,000 feet over Brie. I attacked with flight and followed them down to 8,000 feet. I got a long burst at close range into one E.A. and it immediately stalled and started a slow spin. I was unable to watch it owing to the combat but Lieut [C.G.] Edwards saw it spin until under 1,000 feet where the haze was thick and he lost it. As the first flight of E.A. which I had followed East was now above us and had commenced to dive I broke off and flew West. // (b) I was flying West along the Grand Prix Road when I observed six Albatross scouts (bright red noses) over Cayeux at 8,000 feet. Attacked with flight and in the first dive I fired 100 rounds at very close range into the rear machine. It went down in a turning dive and was seen to crash by Lieutenants Siddall and Edwards. The combat lasted about ten minutes and I used all my ammunition without further result. All the pilots of the flight (5) were attacking continuously and I observed one of them to get very close to an E.A. and open fire. The E.A. went down in a turning vertical dive and appeared to be completely out of control. Only four of the eight E.A. were left when I broke off combat owing to lack of ammunition. [annotated “3 decisive” by Major Butler but Headquarters noted “one crashed, one out of control.”] // 15 May 1918 // Type of Aeroplane: Sopwith BR, B7109 // Armament: two synchronized Vickers guns. // Pilot: Captain S.T. Edwards, DSC // Time: 10.45 a.m.. // Duty: Special patrol // Locality: Rosieres // Height: 14,000 feet // Remarks on Hostile Aircraft: Pfalz scouts.. // Narrative // I was over Rosieres at 17,000 feet with one other Camel when I observed six Pfalz scouts below us. I attacked the rear machine of the E.A. formation at 75 yards range and followed it down in a steep dive. After I had fired several bursts, the E.A. went down in a turning dive completely out of control. The remaining five E.A. dived steeply in a south-easterly direction. [annotated “Not decisive. Machine out of control but not seen to crash.” Major J.O. Andrew, Commanding Officer, No.209 Squadron.] // 16 May 1918 // Type of Aeroplane: Camels S 308 [indistinct], B7109, B6398 // Armament: two synchonized Vickers // Pilots: Captain S.T. Edwards, DSC, Lieut W.R. May and Lieut M.S. Taylor // Time: 4.10 p.m. // Duty: Patrol and escort to Bombing machines. // Locality: Just North of Villers Bretonneux. // Height: 14,000 feet // Remarks on Hostile Aircraft: ten Triplanes. // Narrative // Patrol attacked Triplanes who were attacking two Breguets just north of Villers Bretonneaux. Captain Edwards aided by Lieutenants Taylor and May drove one E.A. down which landed just west of Corbie. [annotated by Major J.O. Andrew, “Decisive. I consider this machine should be given to Captain Edwards.”] // 19 May 1918 // Type of Aeroplane: Sopwith B.R. // Armament: Synchronized Vickers guns // Pilot: Captain S.T. Edwards // Time: 10.15 a.m and 11.00 a.m. // Duty: Special mission. // Locality: (a) Cavignes (b) south of Albert // Height: (a) 4,000 feet (b) 8,000 feet // Remarks on Hostile Aircraft: (a) two-seater Albatross (b) Two-seater (type unknown). // Narrative // (a) Attacked three E.A. over Cavigne and forced one to land on Cappy aerodrome. This E.A. appeared to have its engine damaged. // (b) Attacked two E.A. south of Albert and fired 200 rounds at one machine at 75 yards range. E.A. went down in a spin and appeared to be out of control. A machine crashed on the ground was later observed in that location by Lieutenant Benton. (annotated “Indecisive”). // Air 1/770/204/4/257 (Brigade Summaries, September 1917), copied into Library and Archives Canada MG 40 D.1 volume 17, reports the following under date 21 September 1917: // At 5.00 p.m. 21-9-17, two Sopwith Camels of Naval Squadron No.9 attacked a two-seater D.F.W. over Zarren. Over 500 rounds were fired into E.A. which then appeared to be on fire, and went into a nose dive. It was last seen by the two pilots, Flight Commander Edwards and Flight Sub-Lieutenant Redgate, in a vertical dive, leaving a thick trail of smoke behind it. The Belgian Flying Corps report that a German machine was brought down over Zarren at approximately this time.

EDWARDS, F/L William Fraser (J24375) - Distinguished Flying Cross - No.49 Squadron - Award effective 4 November 1944 as per London Gazette dated 14 November 1944 and AFRO 239/45 dated 9 February 1945. Born in Calgary, 20 December 1916; home there (teacher). Enlisted in Edmonton, 18 February 1942 and posted to No.3 Manning Depot. To No.10 Repair Depot, 1 April 1942. To No.4 ITS, 23 May 1942; graduated and promoted LAC, 17 July 1942 but not posted to No.5 EFTS until 29 August 1942; may have graduated 23 October 1942 but not posted to No.3 SFTS until 7 November 1942; graduated and commissioned 5 March 1943. To \"Y\" Depot, 19 March 1943; to RAF overseas, 26 March 1943. Promoted Flying Officer, 5 September 1943. Promoted Flight Lieutenant, 7 May 1944. Promoted Squadron Leader, date uncertain. Repatriated 3 May 1946. Retired 21 June 1946. Rejoined as Flight Lieutenant, Medical Branch, 4 May 1948 (120676) with rank of Flight Lieutenant and attached to No.418 (Auxiliary) Squadron, Edmonton; restored to Class \"E\" Reserve, 1 June 1948. Postwar was a doctor with Department of Veterans Affairs. RCAF photo PL-40150 (ex-UK-16773 dated 21 November 1944) has the following caption: \"Flight Lieutenant W.F. \'Bill\' Edwards, Edmonton, used to be a third-year medical student at the University of Alberta. Now Edwards (right) pilots an RAF Lancaster over Germany. Twice his rear gunner, WO2 Payn LeSoeur, Vancouver, has driven off enemy night fighters by a stream from his battery of .303 Brownings.\" No citation other than \"completed...numerous operations against the enemy in the course of which [he has] invariably displayed the utmost fortitude, courage and devotion to duty.\" Public Records Office Air 2/8827 has recommendation dated 15 August 1944 when he had flown 30 sorties (161 hours 55 minutes), 9 April 1944 to 26 July 1944. 9 April 1944 - Danzig (Mining) (8.40) 10 April 1944 - Tours (5.50) 18 April 1944 - Juvisy (4.40) 20 April 1944 - Paris, marshalling yards (4.40) 22 April 1944 - Brunswick (5.55) 24 April 1944 - Munich (9.50) 26 April 1944 - Schweinfurt (8.50) 7 May 1944 - Salbris (6.00) 9 May 1944 - Gennevilliers (4.05) 11 May 1944 - Bourg Leopold (3.15) 19 May 1944 - Amiens (4.25) 21 May 1944 - Kiel (Mining) (6.15) 22 May 1944 - Brunswick (6.05) 27 May 1944 - Marsalines (3.35) 31 May 1944 - Maisy (3.30) 2 June 1944 - Wimereux (3.40) 6 June 1944 - Caen (4.35 8 June 1944 - Pontabault (4.30) 9 June 1944 - Etamps (4.40) 12 June 1944 - Caen (5.00) 24 June 1944 - Pommereval(4.05) 4 July 1944 - Creil (4.50) 7 July 1944 Creil (4.30) 12 July 1944 - Culmont Chalindrey (7.35) 15 July 1944 - Nevers (7.25) 17 July 1944 - Caen (3.45) 20 July 1944 - Courtrai (3.10) 23 July 1944 - Kiel (4.35) 24 July 1944 - Donges (5.35) 26 July 1944 - Givors (8.40) This officer completed 30 operational sorties as captain of Lancaster aircraft on this Squadron, before volunteering for, and being posted to the Pathfinder Force. Many of these sorties were against targets where the enemy put up the heaviest defences. Flight Lieutenant Edwards pressed home his attacks without regerd to the oppostion, and never failed to bomb the target with great accuracy. He displayed exceptional qualities of leadership and his example was the main facator in the success of his crew. For his devotion to duty, and his skill and thoroughness in which he carried out any duty allotted to him, I strongly recommend that he be awarded the Distinguished Flying Cross. EDWARDS, S/L William Fraser, DFC (J24375) - Bar to Distinguished Flying Cross - No.83 Squadron - Award effective 8 September 1945 as per London Gazette dated 21 September 1945 and AFRO 1704/45 dated 9 November 1945. As captain of aircraft Squadron Leader Edwards has shown a high degree of courage and efficiency on all his operations. He has been largely responsible for the success of many sorties by his skill, determination and keen devotion to duty. Since the award of the Distinguished Flying Cross, Squadron Leader Edwards has continued to display great gallantry, often in the execution of very hazardous tasks. In February 1945 his crew played an important part in ensuring the success of an attack on the oil refinery at Politz.

EDWARDS, FS Robert Walter - (Can 10146) - British Empire Medal - AFHQ - Award effective 13 June 1946 as per Canada Gazette of that date and AFRO 660/46 dated 5 July 1946. Althiugh the AFRO gives name as Robert Walter, his pay car gives name as Walter Robert Edwards. Born 12 January 1914. Enlisted in Toronto, 2 May 1939 as Wireless Electrical Mechanic and posted that day to Trenton. Promoted AC1, 2 November 1939. To No.1 WS, 15 February 1940. To No.10 (BR) Squadron, 1 April 1940. Promoted LAC, 1 October 1940. Promoted Corporal, 1 October 1941. To Newfoundland, 24 February 1942. To AFHQ, 15 June 1942. Promoted Sergeant, 1 March 1943. Promoted Flight Sergeant, 1 April 1944. Remained in RCAF Reserve after war, reverting to Sergeant, 1 October 1946. Promoted Flight Sergeant, 1 October 1948. Promoted WO2, 1 April 1949. Awarded Queen\'s Coronation Medal, 23 October 1953, while with No.19 Wing (Auxiliary) Headquarters. Before and during the war Flight Sergeant Edwards has been engaged in the development and testing of airborne, shipborne and ground communication equipment. Since 1942, this non-commissioned officer has been actively engaged in the development of radar equipment in Canada. Whilst engaged in the Research Laboratories Detachment of the Royal Canadian Air Force at the National Research Council, Flight Sergeant Edwards did exceptional work on two main developments; namely, the Royal Canadian Air Force-National Research Council radar distance indicator and the shipborne splash indicator which was intended for use in the Pacific Theatre. The results of his work and his devotion to duty have served as an inspiration to the airmen who were working with him.