Yeoman Warder Edward Early DCM (186) was a Yeoman Warder here at the Tower from 1st October 1920 (aged 49) replacing Frederick Binskin (130) to his retirement 16th August 1935 (aged 64) and was replaced by Yeoman Warder William Buckland (214) so nearly 15 years a Yeoman Warder.
It looks like he was born on the 2 September 1873 (the date of birth contradicts the age joined) in Brighton, his father Edward Cornelious Early (B1841 d 1921) and mother Elizabeth (Betsy Nee Andrew born 1847 died 1929).
I do not know when he enlisted, but he serves in the Royal Horse Artillery, his Army No. 78207.
He see service in the East and West Africa Campaign, which is interesting as this campaign did not really involve British Troops. Punitive actions against local tribesmen who were attacking European settlements and other African people, the East and West Africa medal was awarded to Royal Navy, Police Units and some British lead West India Regiment Troops. It was in the conflict that Edward receives the Distinguished Conduct Medal (DCM) WO372/6.
Edward then went on to The Boar War, receiving the Queens South Africa medal with 6 clasps
- RELIEF OF KIMBERLEY 15th February 1900
- PAARDEBERG 17–26 February 1900
- DRIEFONTEIN 10 March 1900 – Awarded to troops serving with Army Headquarters and Lt Gen French’s column which advanced from Popular Grove on 10 March 1900
- DIAMOND HILL 11–12 June 1900 (Transvaal)
- BELFAST – Awarded to troops who, on 26 or 27 August 1900, were east of a north and south line drawn through Wonderfonein, and west of a north and south line through Dalmanutha Station, and north of an east and west line drawn through Carolina (Transvaal)
- JOHANNESBURG – Awarded to those troops who, on 29 May 1900, were north of an east and west line through Klip River Station and east of a north and south line through Krugersdorp Station (Transvaal)
He also received the Long Service & Good Conduct Medal (LS&GC), and while at the Tower he was awarded the King George V Silver Jubilee Medal.
On becoming a Yeoman Warder at the Tower he was an A/Sergeant Major in the Royal Horse Artillery , he also served with “A” Depot Royal Horse Artillery, and in the Boar War in the Ammunition Column Royal Artillery in No. 2 Corp WO100/150.
He lives in the Tower with his wife: Florence Beatrice (Nee Moth born 1881 in Henley) her father was also a member of the Royal Artillery. They live in the East Casemates then No. 2 The Casemates in the Tower of London.
Edward retires 16th August 1935 after nearly 15 years a Yeoman Warder, at the age of 64.
There is not much about Edward, but as most of his military records are not available and in the 1939 register he is a Retired Captain in the Royal Field Artillery, he must have had some service in WW2 and so his documents will not be released until the National Archive release other WW2 documents.
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