Edward 's Story.
Birkenhead News 17 February 1917
Deesider Killed in Action.
One of West Kirby’s Earliest Volunteers.
News of the death of Lance Corporal Edward Railton has been received this week, and the sad tidings have cast a gloom over a numerous circle of friends. He was the youngest son of Mr. and Mrs. Thomas Railton, who reside close to Kirkbride, Cumberland. “Teddy”, who was 35 years of age, was unmarried, and made his home with his sister, Mrs. T. Stanley, 12, York Avenue, West Kirby. In civil life he was a gardener to Mr. Preston, Lingdale Road, a keen bowler, and no mean cueist, many prizes providing evidence of his ability.
He was one of West Kirby’s first Volunteers, joining the Forces before the war a month old. After training at Salisbury and Swindon he sailed for the Dardanelles in July, 1915, and was “down” several times, once slightly wounded, and on other occasions with jaundice and dysentery. From Gallipoli he was transferred to Egypt, and later to Mesopotamia. Whilst here the state of his health was a cause of much anxiety, but the latest news received from him pointed to a complete recovery, for he laconically wrote “In the pink; back to it again.”
The war office notice states that Corpl. Railton was killed in Mesopotamia on January 29th, two years and one month after his last visit to West Kirby. Another brother – Tom – came over with a Canadian contingent, was wounded, and rendered lame, and will fight no more. “Teddy” Railton was one of the most charming personalities that ever wore khaki. His even temperament, sunny smile, and perpetual good humour made him welcome in any and every company.