Private Edwin Armitage
202831 1/4th Loyal North Lancashire Regiment
Missing in Action 18th November 1917
Lived at 81 Rectory Road
Commemorated on the Thiepval Memorial France
St.Andrews Memorial, Burnley

On the 17th November 1917 the 1/4th Loyal North Lancashire Battalion had relieved another Battalion on the Guillemont Sector (Somme). At 5.30 on the morning of the 18th the enemy opened a hurricane bombardment of the Guillemont Farm sector; Out of some eighty Officers & men occupying the twelve advance post only half a dozen remained, being killed or buried under the bombardment.
Lewis Gunner Praised (Burnley Express 8th December 1917)

Miss Armitage, who resides at 91, Rectory Road, Burnley, has received an officer’s letter which leaves no room for doubt that her Brother, Pte E. Armitage (202831), of the Loyal North Lancs Regt., was killed in action on November 18th. The letter says:-

“He met his death on the occasion of an enemy raid, when he showed great fighting qualities. His loss is very greatly deplored in the company. He was a very keen Lewis gunner, and was extremely popular with all his comrades. I was originally his platoon commander when he first came to this country, and ultimately I became his company commander; and during all this time I recognised him as being one of the best men in the company. When he died he was in charge of his gun and striving to prevent it falling into the hands of the Germans. Will you please accept from me the very sincere sympathy which I and all the officers in my company feel for you in your very sad loss. We shall ever think of your brother as one of the bravest men we fought with and only wish there were many more like him.- R.N.L., Buckmaster, Capt.”

The deceased soldier, who was single, and 23 years of age, joined the Army in February, 1916, and went out the following August. He was formerly employed at Grey’s Livingstone Mill. He leaves four sisters, and neither of the parents is living.

ROLL OF HONOUR
(Burnley Express 08/12/17)

ARMITAGE-In ever loving memory of our dear brother, Private E. Armitage, killed in action France November 18th, 1917, age 23.
Oh, God how we loved him,
He answered to the nation’s call;
We ill could spare our “one and all,”
And prayed that God would not let him fall.

But fortune faileth him in the strife,
And Jesus called him to Heaven’s Perfect peace.
-From his sorrowing sisters, 91 Rectory Road.