The Communion service at Curdridge this morning, 11th August, had an unusual feature – the dedication of a framed document in memory of Edwin Wellstead. Edwin was a bell ringer at St Peter’s church before the First World War, and was unfortunately killed one hundred and four years ago this August 13th when the transport ship ‘Royal Edward’ that he was travelling on to Gallipoli was torpedoed north of Crete. Over seven hundred men died.

Ringing in Edwin’s memory took place four years ago near the centenary of his death, but I thought it would be good to have a more tangible memorial.

I researched his history for the local history society booklet in memory of those killed in WW1, but since then was able to obtain a photograph of Edwin from Mrs Jean Aburrow, the daughter of Edwin’s younger sister. I therefore rewrote the notes to include Edwin’s picture, had it framed by the Penny Farthing Gallery in Botley, and it was dedicated this morning by the Reverend Jane Richards, as shown in the attached photograph. It is now displayed on the wall of the ringing room in Curdridge church.

Robin Milford