EDWARD CHARLES BERRY
image from 1917 Suffolk Chronicle & Mercury newspaper
Born: 1891, Ipswich, Suffolk.
Died: 30th April 1917; age 26; died at the Military Hospital, Shoeburyness, Essex, from injuries received whilst on duty at Shoeburyness.
Residence: The General Gordon Public House, Upper Barclay Street, Ipswich.
Employed: Ransomes, Sims & Jefferies, Orwell Works, Ipswich.
Enlistment Location: Ipswich.
Rank: Gunner; Service Number: 139193.
Regiment: Royal Garrison Artillery, Experimental Dept, School of Gunnery, (Shoeburyness).
Formerly 1029, Essex & Suffolk, R.G.A.
Grave Reference:
D.7.46.
Ipswich.
Relatives Notified & Address: Son of Edward & Priscilla Berry, of The General Gordon Public House, 18, Upper Barclay Street, Ipswich.
CENSUS
1891 3, Cecilia Street, Ipswich.
Edward was 2 months old and living with his parents.
Edward Berry, 27, a Postman, born Ipswich.
Priscilla Berry (nee Davey), 23, born Witnesham, Suffolk.
1 boarder.
1901 22, Beck Street, Ipswich.
Edward was 10 years old and living with his parents & sisters.
Edward, 38, a Tram Car Driver.
Priscilla, 33.
Laura Ellen Berry, 8, born Ipswich.
Violet Elizabeth Berry, 5, born Ipswich.
1911 ‘General Gordon’ 18 – 20, Upper Brook Street, Ipswich.
Edward was 20 years old, a Furniture Porter. He was living with parents & sister.
Edward, 47, a Beer House Keeper.
Priscilla, 44.
Violet, 15.
Soldiers’ Effects to Edward Berry – father.
Edward is also remembered on The Orwell Works, Ransomes Sims & Jefferies war memorial, and at St. Michael’s Church, Ipswich.
GUN ACCIDENT – 30th April 1917
On the 2nd May 1917, an inquest was held at Shoeburyness on the four gunners who died from the effects of injuries received in a gun accident on Monday, 30th April 1917, on the new range at the Garrsion. It was found that a breach blew out killing five soldiers. A verdict of “Accidental death” was returned.
William Butcher, 32, a Gunner, 124782, of Godmanchester, Huntingdonshire. Died from his injuries at Military Hospital, Shoeburyness on the 30th May. Laid to rest at St. Mary’s Churchyard, Godmanchester.
Edgar Swift, 33, a Gunner, 2337, of London. Died from his injuries at the Military Hospital, Shoeburyness on the 1st May. Laid to rest on the 4th May, with military honours at St. Andrew’s Churchyard, South Shoebury.
Albert Ernest Eves, 38, a Gunner, 8938 of Shoeburyness. Died from his injuries at the Military Hospital, Shoeburyness on the 1st May. Laid to rest on the 4th May, with military honours at St. Andrew’s Churchyard, South Shoebury.
Herbert Robert John Wilson, 32, a Sergeant, 22228, of Shoeburyness. Died from his injuries at the Military Hospital, Shoeburyness on the 3rd May. Laid to rest on the 8th May, with military honours at St. Andrew’s Churchyard, South Shoebury.
Gunner Davenport and Gunner Rock were also injured in the gun accident and taken to the military hospital both in critical condition.
The Royal Garrison Artillery (RGA) ordinated from fixed positioned heavy artillery batteries, defending fortresses and coastal defenses. The large caliber guns became of use during WW1, as the war became more static. The large guns could be moved to the front, being fired behind the lines causing major destruction on the enemies’ trenches and strong positions. Being large heavy Howitzers, they were susceptible to counter fire. Once fired, their position was given away, opposed to the lighter guns of the Royal Artillery’s “shot and scoots” and rapid redeployment.
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