Edward Rapley, the only surviving son of James and Elizabeth (née Oldfield), was born in Islington, London, on 1st September 1895. In 1901, Edward and his mother were living in Ardmere Road, Lewisham, where she was working as a charwoman. James, by this time, was no longer living with his wife and young son. Elizabeth and Edward moved to Doe’s Alley in Melton and in 1911 Edward was working as a gardener.

By 1914, Edward had changed jobs and was working as a chauffeur for the Sulivan family (of Fern Hill, close to Woods Lane). Henry Filmer Sulivan, a retired Lieutenant in the Border Regiment, may have inspired Edward to enlist in the Woodbridge Company of the 4th Suffolks on 21st November 1914. Edward served with them until 20th February 1915 when he joined the 1st Mounted Divisional Supply Chain of the Army Service Corps.

On 10th March 1916, Edward was posted to France, joining 260 Company (Motor Transport), Army Service Corps, attached to the 16th (Irish) Division. The following year, Edward moved to the 3rd Signal Construction Company of the Royal Engineers, created in April 1917.

Edward remained with the 3rd Signal Construction Company until November 1917 when he developed appendicitis. He was sent to No. 56 Casualty Clearing Station, based at Grevilliers near Baupaume in France, for treatment. On 24th November 1917, Edward died from his condition. He is buried at Dernacourt Communal Cemetery Extension.

For his war service, Edward’s family received the British War and Victory Medals.