Lt. E.G.P.Fenn – Born in Colchester, died in Palestine – forgotten in C21st?
***See end of this article for new material***
Local historian Joan Soole has brought to our attention that Lieutenant Edward Gerald Palmer Fenn, son of a prominent Colchester family, is not included in the town’s Roll of Honour for those who gave their lives in the First World War.
The photographs show Edward and his sister Adria on the terrace at Grey Friars circa 1899, and a portrait taken after Edward had enlisted.
He was born 2nd September 1894, possibly at home in Grey Friars, High Street, Colchester, the son of Dr E.Liveing Fenn, a respected physician who owned the house at the end of the C19th. Edward died 19th September 1918, killed in action at Kefe-Kasim, Palestine aged just 24 and was buried at Wadi Rabah.
Edward was killed by a sniper on the first morning of General Allenby’s successful campaign, known as the battle of Megiddo, which, with Lawrence and the Arab forces attacking from the east, drove the Turks out of Palestine.
More information in this brief document, click on title to open: Lieut Edward Gerald Palmer Fenn
*** JUST RECEIVED … For his nephew Edward’s comprehensive, thoroughly-researched tribute – full of fascinating insights, including poignant letters to and from Mrs Fenn – click on this title … FENN, Edward Gerald Palmer
We are most grateful to Edward and the Fenn family archive on the website: www.thekingscandlesticks.com