Cecil Harry Edmunds (1890 - 1918)
First World War Roll of Honour
Cecil Harry Edmunds was born on 1 February 1890, the son of Alfred and Marian Edmunds of Churchgate Street, Soham, Cambridgeshire. He was educated at Soham Grammar School from the age of seven before matriculating at Downing College in 1908, studying Natural Sciences.
He is shown here in the 1908 matriculation photograph (above, sitting far right in front row). He was an active member of the College, a member of the Debating Society and a good athlete, representing the College at both Cricket and Association Football, although, sadly, no photographs have survived in the archive. He graduated in 1911, obtaining a First Class in Part I of the Natural Sciences Tripos and taking the Diploma of the University Day Training College for Teachers. On leaving Downing, he became Science Master at St Olave’s School in Southwark (later of Orpington) and remained there until 1915, when he obtained a commission as 2nd Lieutenant in the 21st Battalion of the London Regiment (1st Surrey Rifles).
Cecil proceeded to France on 19 April 1917 and was promoted to Lieutenant. The German Spring Offensive began on 21 March 1918 and Lt. Edmunds was reported missing in action two days later. He was later confirmed dead, leaving a widow, Constance, and young son in Broadstairs, Kent.
Lt. Edmunds is buried in Fins New British Cemetery, Sorel-Le-Grand. He is also commemorated on memorials at Soham Grammar School (now Soham Village College), Soham, St Olave’s Grammar School and at Downing College.
Sources:
‘The Griffin’, Downing College magazine, 1908-11, 1918
Images:
1908 Matriculation photograph (courtesy of Lafayette Photography Ltd) – DCPH/2/1/3
Lt. Edmunds in military uniform courtesy of St Olave’s Grammar School.