Main CPGW Record
Surname: KAY
Forename(s): Edgar
Place of Birth: Earby, Yorkshire
Service No: 38807
Rank: Private
Regiment / Corps / Service: York and Lancaster Regiment
Battalion / Unit: 7th (Service) Battalion. (Pioneers)
Division: 17th (Northern) Division
Age: 26
Date of Death: 1917-08-17
Awards: ---
CWGC Grave / Memorial Reference: I. C. 28.
CWGC Cemetery: BLEUET FARM CEMETERY
CWGC Memorial: ---
Non-CWGC Burial: ---
Local War Memorial: EARBY, YORKSHIRE
Additional Information:
Edgar Kay was the son of Joseph and Ann Kay, née Speak. Joseph was born at Broughton near Elslack and Ann at Thornton-in-Craven, Yorkshire. Edgar was the cousin of Private Bertie Cowgill (29010) (q.v.).
1891 Earby, Yorkshire Census: White Lion Street - Edgar Kay, aged 4 months, born Thornton [Thornton-in-Craven Parish], Yorkshire, son of Joseph and Ann Kay.
1901 Earby, Yorkshire Census: 38, Aspen Lane - Edgar Kay, aged 10 years, born Earby, Yorkshire.
1911 Earby, Yorkshire Census: 38, Langroyd Road - Edgar Kay, aged 20 years, born Earby, son of Joseph and Ann Kay.
Edgar was married to Annie Taylor in 1913. Annie’s sister, Maggie, was married to Private Arthur William Duckworth (20002) (q.v.).
The British Army Service Record for Edgar Kay exists but may be incomplete.
British Army WW1 Medal Rolls Index Cards: Pte Edgar Kay, 38807, Y. & L. R.
British Army WW1 Medal and Award Rolls: Pte Edgar Kay, 38807, 8th York & Lanc. R.; 7th York & Lanc. R. Killed in Action 17.8.17.
Army Registers of Soldiers' Effects: Pte Edgar Kay, 38807, 7th Bn York & Lancs. Date and Place of Death: 17.8.17 Belgium. To whom Authorised/Amount Authorised: Widow and sole legatee - Annie. £5 17s. 7d.
See also:
‘Earby in the First World War’ by Stephanie Carter, published by Earby & District Local History Society (2014).
‘Our Finest Crop’ by Steven Marshall, published by Earby & District Local History Society (2020).
Data Source: Craven’s Part in the Great War - original CPGW book entry
View Entry in CPGW BookEntry in West Yorkshire Pioneer Illustrated War Record:
KAY, Edgar, aged 26, York and Lancs. Regt., 23, Cowgill Street, [Earby], killed in action Aug. 16, 1917.
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Private Edgar KAY
Regiment / Corps / Service Badge: York and Lancaster Regiment
Divisional Sign / Service Insignia: 17th (Northern) Division
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View Craven Herald Articles
View Craven Herald Articles
24 August 1917
KAY – August 16th 1917, killed in action on the Western Front, Private Edgar Kay, York and Lancaster Regiment, formerly carrying on business as a greengrocer at Earby, aged 26 years.
24 August 1917
WELL-KNOWN EARBY TRADESMAN KILLED
Pte. Edgar Kay, York and Lancaster Regt., (Pioneers), whose death is reported from France, was, prior to joining the Army in November last, a well-known tradesman, carrying on the business of a greengrocer at 11, New Road, Earby. He was killed instantly by a shell on the 16th August, after being in France about seven months. Pte. Kay was 26 years of age. He leaves a wife and one child living at 23, Cowgill Street, Earby. Mrs. Kay has received the following letters:–
B.E.F. August 17th.
“Dear Madam, – It is with deepest regret that I have to inform you of the death of your husband Pte. E. Kay. Having been his platoon commander for about five months I can say honestly that for sheer good nature and hard work there was no one like him. I don’t think I need go into unpleasant details; sufficient is it that his death was quick and absolutely painless, and that he died doing his duty like a man and an Englishman. Will you please accept the deepest sympathy of myself and all his comrades?
Sincerely yours, JOHN CROWTHER, 2nd Lieut.”
Pte. E. Blackstone wrote:– “As a pal of your husband I feel it my sorrowful duty to inform you that Edgar was killed on Thursday, August 16th, while on duty with his platoon. It may comfort you a little to know that he suffered no pain, being killed instantly by the bursting of an enemy shell just over his head. Two of his comrades were wounded by the same shell. I am sure he will be much missed in the Company as he had always a cheery smile and a kind word for everybody. I offer you my sincerest sympathy in your great loss.”
View West Yorkshire Pioneer Articles
View West Yorkshire Pioneer Articles
24 August 1917
KAY – Killed in action, Aug. 16th, Pte. Edgar Kay, of the York and Lancaster Regiment, husband of Mrs. Kay, of 23, Cowgill Street, Earby, aged 26.
24 August 1917
WELL-KNOWN EARBY TRADESMAN KILLED
Pte. Edgar Kay, York and Lancaster Regiment (Pioneers), whose death is reported from France was prior to joining the army in November last, a well-known tradesman carrying on the business of a greengrocer at 11, New Road, Earby. He was killed instantly by a shell on the 16th August, after being in France about seven months. Pte. Kay was 26 years of age He leaves a wife and one child living at 21, Cowgill Street, Earby. Mrs. Kay has received the following letters:–
B. E. F., August 17th.
“Dear Madam, - It is with deepest regret that I have to inform you of the death of your husband, Pte. E. Kay. Having been his platoon commander for about five months I can say honestly that for sheer good nature and hard work there was no one like him. I don’t think I need go into unpleasant details; sufficient is it that his death was quiet and absolutely painless, and that he died doing his duty like a man and an Englishman. Will you please accept the deepest sympathy of myself and all his comrades. – Sincerely yours, John Crowther, Second-Lieutenant.”
Pte. E. Blackstone wrote:– “As a pal of your husband I feel it my sorrowful duty to inform you that Edgar was killed on Thursday, August 16th, while on duty with his platoon. It may comfort you a little to know that he suffered no pain, being killed instantly by the bursting of an enemy shell just over his head. Two of his comrades were wounded by the same shell. I am sure he will be much missed in the Company, as he had always a cheerful smile and a kind word for anybody. I offer you my sincerest sympathy in your great loss.”
16 August 1918
In loving memory of a dear husband and daddy, Pte. Edgar Kay, of the 7th York and Lancaster Pioneers, who was killed by enemy shell Aug. 16th, 1917, aged 26 years, and was laid to rest at Bleuer Farm, British Cemetery, Elverdinghe, near Ypres.
We have lost, Heaven has gained
One of the best this world contained.
– From his loving Wife and Daughter.
In ever loving memory of Pte. Edgar Kay, York and Lancaster Pioneers, who was killed in France Aug. 16th, 1917, aged 26 years.
Peace perfect peace, with loved ones far away,
In Jesu’s keeping we are safe and they.
– Father, Mother, Brothers and Sister.
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