Cyril Osman Edwards

Cyril Edwards (Service No 61) was born in Gundagai, N.S.W.  The family moved to Wollongong, N.S.W. when Cyril's father was posted to the Wollongong Court House.

At enlistment Cyril was single, 22 years old and employed as a  surveyor.  Cyril nominated his father, who was still living in Wollongong, as his next of kin.

Cyril remained in Australia for some time and was sent for training as an Officer on 11th November 1915.

He embarked from Sydney as an acting Sergeant on board HMAT A41 Bakara with 34th Battalion, A Company on 23rd March 1916. He arrived in England on 23rd June 1916 and was promoted to 2nd Lieutenant on 12th August 1916.

On 16th March 1917 Cyril was promoted to Lieutenant and saw service on the Western Front. 

On 12th October 1917 he was seriously wounded in action at Passchendaele and evacuated to hospital in England for treatment of severe gun shot wounds to his hands.  As a result of his wounds, Cyril had a finger amputated.

Cyril's brother, Lieutenant Eric Edwards, also with 34th Battalion, was wounded in the same action on the same day.

Cyril was repatriated to Australia in January 1918 and discharged from the AIF with a full pension.

Cyril re-enlisted on 29th August 1918 and returned to England in an administrative role for the voyaage only. 

On 29th January 1931 Cyril married Cecile Huntly in Sydney and they had one daughter.

He enlisted for service in World War II  (Service No N74549) from 12th June 1940 until 21st August 1940.

Cyril died in 1974.