Private Edward Bellion

• Age: 22
• From: Liverpool
• Regiment: 4TH KINGS
• Died on Wednesday 17th April 1918
• Commemorated at: Tyne Cot Memorial
  Panel Ref: P31-34 162 162A 163A P31-34 162 162A 163A

Edward was born in Aigburth, Liverpool in 1895 the son of James Edward Bellion and his wife Margaret (nee Green). His father James Edward was born in Chester whilst his mother Margaret was born in Wavertree. Edward was baptised on 08th January 1896 at St Bridget's Church, Wavetree, Liverpool. His parents had married at St Peter's Church in Liverpool in 1890.  

The 1901 Census shows five year old Edward living with his parents at 61 Sutton Street, West Derby together with his siblings; Florence aged 10 and born in Wavetree, whilst Alice aged 8, Edith aged 7 and Horace aged 2 were born in Aigburth. His father, James Edward is a 30 year old gardener whilst his mother, Margaret is 29.

By 1911 the family are living at 11 Odsey Street, West Derby and Edward aged 15 is now the eldest child in the house and lives with his parents and younger siblings; Horace aged 12, Frank aged 6 and Margaret aged 4. His parents advise that they have been married for 20 years and have had nine children of whom eight have survived.

He enlisted in Liverpool on 09th November 1914 originally part of the recruitment drive for the 20th Battalion, however, he was posted on the same day to the 19th Battalion of The King's Liverpool Regiment as Private 21739. He gave his age as 19 years and 40 days and his occupation as a gardener. He is described as being 5'7 and a half inches tall and weighed 128lbs, being of fresh complexion with brown hair and brown eyes. His next of kin is shown as his father James Edward 81 Botanic Rd, Edge Hill, Liverpool.

On 08th November 1915 Edward transfers to the 22nd Battalion. He is finally posted to France on 06th January 1916 and is posted to the 20th Battalion. He was wounded in the action of 01st July 1916 at Montauban and hospitalised at Rouen before transferring home to the UK on 06th July 1916. He is treated at 2nd Western General Hospital in Manchester from 07th July 16 for Gunshot Wounds to the left side of his face. He is discharged on 11th August 16. However, he is readmitted to 3rd Western General Hospital in Neath on 30th September 16 for treatment as he is reported to be having difficulty opening his mouth. It appears that some shrapnel was still present. He was discharged on 20th November 1916. 

Upon his return to the UK on 07th July 16 he was posted to the Depot but on 21st August 16 he was transferred back to the 22nd Battalion. Subsequently transferring to the 3rd Battalion on 01st September 16. He failed to return to Barracks at Knowsley  on 22nd December 16 and did not return until 27th December 1916 which led to him being confined to Barracks for 10 days and forfeited 6 days pay.

He returned to France via Folkestone, arriving in Boulogne on 08th February 1917. At Etaples he was initially posted to the 1st Battalion but transferred to the 4th Battalion of The King's Liverpool Regiment on 04th March 1917. 

Edward remained with the 4th Battalion and was reported missing in April 1918 during the German Spring Offensive.

An appeal for information was posted in the Liverpool Echo on 28th May 1918, probably from a sweetheart:

Private E. Bellion K.L.R., missing since April 16. Any information gratefully received by Miss B. Payne 313 Edge Lane, Liverpool.

After enquiring as to his whereabouts his parents received a letter dated 21st November 1918 with a chilling reply:-

"With reference to your letter of 8th November 1918, he was reported missing and he has not been traced as a prisoner of war. Under these circumstances, and in view of the lapse of time, it is feared that he cannot have survived."

His death was presumed to have occurred on 17th April 1918 aged 22.

Edward's body was  not found or was subsequently lost as his name is recorded on the Tyne Cot Memorial in Belgium. 

Those United Kingdom and New Zealand servicemen who died after August 16th 1917 are named on the Tyne Cot Memorial, a site which marks the furthest point reached by Commonwealth forces in Belgium until nearly the end of the war.

The Tyne Cot Memorial now bears the names of almost 35,000 officers and men whose graves are not known. The memorial, designed by Sir Herbert Baker with sculpture by Joseph Armitage and F.V. Blundstone, was unveiled by Sir Gilbert Dyett on 20 June 1927.

The memorial forms the north-eastern boundary of Tyne Cot Cemetery, which was established around a captured German blockhouse or pill-box used as an advanced dressing station.

His medals which were sent to 81 Botanic Road, Liverpool.

Soldiers Effects to mother Margaret and sister Alice Jones, Pension to Margaret Ellen. 

His parents appear on 1939 register in Hoylake.

His mother died, aged 70, in the June quarter of 1942.

His father died, aged 73, in the March quarter of 1944. His address at the time of his death was given as 1 Barkbeth Walk, Huyton, he now rests at Holy Trinity, Wavertee.  

Edward is commemorated in the Hall of Remembrance, Liverpool Town Hall, Panel 14 Right.

We currently have no further information on Edward Bellion, If you have or know someone who may be able to add to the history of this soldier, please contact us.