Garthwaite, Edward, RM (Pens): Sergeant, MPK

Thanks go to Tony Hacche, Great Nephew of Sergeant Garthwaite, for the following background: 

“Edward was born in North Kensington, London, on 25th January 1901. His parents were Henry William Garthwaite (1868-1948) and Annie Garthwaite, nee Gregg (1880-1957). Edward had four younger siblings, Henry John, Amy, James and Mary Ann. Sadly Mary Ann’s death date is in the same quarter as her birth date.

At the age of 10, according to the 1911 Census, the family were living at 144 Kensal Road, North Kensington. Kensal Road suffered extensive bomb damage and the house no longer stands.

Edward enlisted in the Navy at the age of 15 on 17th August 1915. His occupation at the time was listed as “Errand Boy”. On enlisting his rank is listed as “Bugler”.

Edward married Hilda Alice Duley (1901-1987) on 6th September 1928 at the Register Office in Portsmouth. At the time Edward was stationed at Eastney Barracks in Portsmouth. Hilda was also born in North Kensington so there is evidence to suggest that their association stemmed from childhood. Hilda was my mother’s aunt on her mother’s side.”

[Added by Stuart Gill, drawing from Edward’s service record and known facts about HMS Dunedin: Having been promoted to Sergeant in 1938 while serving in Portsmouth, Edward joined HMS Dunedin on 9th September 1938 when she was undergoing a refit in Portsmouth. By late September, Dunedin had been commissioned for war service amid the deteriorating international situation and Edward was to remain with her until her demise on 24th November 1941. Edward was reported Missing Presumed Killed.]