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2nd Lt. Edward Roland Coar
British Army 2nd Btn. East Lancashire Regiment
from:Burnley, Lancs
(d.8th Jan 1918)
Edward Coar enlisted as Private 265636 with the 7th Bn. King's (Liverpool) Regiment in September 1914, he went overseas the following year on 11 March 1915. He saw service at Festubert, Loos, the Somme, Gueudecourt, Guillemont and Arras. He became a Lewis Gunner and was made a Lance-Corporal and was made an instructor in the weapon before being recommended for a commission.
He commenced his Officer training at Bristol College and was gazetted to the 2nd Btn. East Lancashire Regiment where he was appointed Divisional Lewis Gun Officer and Transport Officer. Whilst working as Transport Officer in 1918, Edward was mortally wounded by an enemy shell. He was the only officer to die at the station that day along with two other ranks.
Shortly after his death, Edward's mother, Kate, received a letter from The Rev. W. L. Archer, chaplain at the 3rd Canadian Casualty Clearing Station which was based at Remy, he told her;
He was brought to us about 5-30pm, very severely wounded in the leg and arm, and in a very exhausted condition, so that at once it was seen that there was little hope. Everything possible was done to revive him, but there was little effect. I talked to him, and he was not in pain, but was in difficulty with his breathing and begged me to raise his shoulders. I promised to write to you and send you his love. He was, of course, frightfully weak, but I don't think he realised his real condition. Before I left him he was more comfortable and was dying. A few minutes later the end came very peacefully and quickly with no warning. I tried to see your son's batman, but could not, as he was in great distress, having been with him when he was wounded and, I believe, carried him out for some distance alone.
Second-Lieutenant Coar was laid to rest at Lijssenthoek Military Cemetery in Belgium, a simple wooden cross marked his grave.
