Edwards, PTE Rhys Thomas

Private Rhys Thomas Edwards (1891-1918) was born in Llywyngwril, Wales, son of Jane Edwards. He studied at Llandrills Council School in Wales. He had at least one brother. Rhys migrated to Western Australia in 1911 at the age of 19. He lived on the corner of Adrian Steet and Cannington Road in Bicton and worked as grocer at Mr. Jones’s Store in North Fremantle.

Rhys tried to join the Australian Army in March 1915 but was rejected due to defective teeth. Nonetheless, he tried again a year later and on the 7th of February 1916, Rhys enlisted into the Australian Imperial Force at the age of 24 and was posted to B Company, 44th Battalion. He embarked for overseas service in June 1916 and arrived at the Western Front in January 1917.

Private Edwards served in multiple battles throughout 1917 until he was severely wounded in action on the 4th of October 1917 during the Battle of Broodseinde Ridge. He received a gunshot wound to the back and a severe one to his right hand. He spent four months recovering in hospital, but ultimately it was decided that he should be medically discharged to Australia. Rhys left the army in February 1918 but upon arrival in Fremantle he was admitted to the 8th Australian General Hospital in order to continue treatment of his right hand.

Unfortunately, Rhys developed an infection which resulted in him passing away from Appendicitis and Perondicitis on the 26th of June 1918 at the age of 26. It was determined that this infection was due to war service. Rhys was buried at Fremantle Cemetery with full military honours with his estate going to his brother Hugh Edward. A little over four months later, his comrades breached the Hindenburg Line and ended the war with a victory for the allies.

During the war, Rhys fought in 6 battles and spent 251 days in the trenches. He was awarded the British War Medal, Victory Medal, Death Plaque, Silver War Badge, Wound Stripe, Active Service Badge and 1 Long Service Stripe.

Throughout his time with the AIF, Private Edwards got charged 3 times for being AWL. This resulted in him receiving 3 days of field punishment No. 1, 4 days of field punishment No. 2, 7 days confined to barracks and 25 days loss of pay.