Info sought on Edenderry's unknown soldier

Do you recognise this soldier? Was he your relation, maybe your uncle or granduncle?

The photo was purchased many years ago by Yvonne Piggott as part of a lot being sold by auction at the studio of the late John Reid, the well-known Edenderry photographer.

Written on the back of the photo is ‘Aunt Bessie, Best Love, From, Jack’.

Jack’s cap badge is that of the Australian Imperial Forces, but it is impossible to tell from the uniform whether it dates from the First or Second World War.

The photo came to light when Catherine Watson of Edenderry Historical Society was looking for information and photos of people from the Edenderry area who took part in the First World War.

The Edenderry Union or Superintendent Registrar’s District not only included Edenderry town, but also the outlying villages of Carbury, Rathangan, Clonbullogue, Rhode, Ballyboggan and Johnstownbridge. Many recruits from these areas gave their birth place as Edenderry.

If anyone has information or photos of people from these areas who took part in the First World War, Catherine would love to hear from them. She hopes to include them all in a book to be published this autumn. Catherine is also hoping for information on the picture included here.

She can be reached on 086 3608838 or at edenderryww1@gmail.com.