First Tank Crews

Forum members have kindly helped me track down some of the Tank Corps pioneers who served in the first battle of 15 Sep 1916. I would be very grateful for help in identifying Wilfred Clarence Edwards who lived in Argyll Street during the Second World War Wilfred was born 26 Jan 1896; he was the youngest son of John Thomas Edwards and Maria Louise King and they lived at 4 Croft Rd, Coventry. When he left school he was a gear case maker but by 1915 Wilfred made metal and celluloid glass cases He was awarded the Military Medal in late 1918. It was the result of his "conspicuous gallantry by rescuing many injured infantry who were lying out in the open exposed to intense artillery and machine gun fire. With another crewman, he carried many to a place of safety and showed the greatest contempt of danger". The award was reported in the Coventry Evening Telegraph on 7 Dec 1918. He was demobilised 17 Feb 1919 and returned to his home at 4 Croft Rd. His medal was also sent there as Wilfred decided not to have it presented. In summer 1924, be married Florence A Turner and by 1939 was living at 7 Argyll Street, working as a motor body maker. He must have served in WW2 as he was awarded a British Defence Medal, possibly for being in the Air Raid Precautions or Home Guard, the medal was sent to Argyll Street. I then lose track of him but he possibly remarried in Jul-Sep 1963 at Coventry to Nellie Hollins. His death in the summer of 1969, aged 74 years, was registered in Coventry. I have a couple of images which may help; the first is of his medals and Tank Corps Certificte of Honour. The other is of a local football team but there are no names or dates associated. It looks to be in the 1920s or 1930s Any help would be gratefully received. Stephen Pope

Tony / Derek - perhaps see if he is registered as being buried at London Road?

He is not buried at London Road

He's not to be found in this publication either.

Probably not much help but under the "Thanks" column in the Telegraph, 28/4/1969, Mrs Edwards of 7 Argyll Street wishes to thank relatives, friends, neighbours, special thanks to Mrs Lyneham and Mrs Woodfield, White Lion Hotel for the beautiful floral tributes & messages of sympathy at her loss. Could well be that he was cremated at Canley in 1969. I don't know if there are any records for there.

That's super help - thank you all.

I'm very interested in your thread from 2017 about John Thomas ironmonger, as I'm his grandson. I have much information too and the details posted are largely accurate.

Hi Gemini69, welcome to the forum

Hello interested to hear from anyone researching FTC especially John Thomas of Earlsdon my grandfather.

The originator of this topic, 'First Tank Crews' is the author Stephen Pope who has written a book with the same title. There is also a Facebook page called 'First Tank Crews' where Mr Pope is an administrator so this might be a good source of further information.

Hello I am John Thomas ' only grandson

Hey Gemini, welcome Always great to see descendents of great Coventrians Been a while since this thread/ topic has been active, so will update with 1921 census info. --- 1921 Census 4 Albany Rd, Coventry Household Members (Name) Age Relationship Birth Place •  Elizabeth Mayer 59 Years 6 Months Head London •  Amanda Thomas 38 Years Daughter London •  John Thomas 34 Years 5 MonthsSon London •  William Ernest Illing 22 Years 3 Months Boarder (?) --- John Thomas was an Ironmonger working at 52 Earlsdon St., Coventry. Amanda Thomas was a China & Glass Dealer at 88 Earlsdon St., Coventry. --- What was the inaccuracies you mentioned? Sometimes a name as common as 'John Thomas' can cause us to go down the wrong path Hope you're well and having a nice weekend