A JustGiving crowdfunding page has been set up to pay for repairs to the headstone of Private Edwards who is buried at St Catherine’s Church in Hoarwithy, near Ross-on-Wye.
Local Jim Buckley set up the appeal which has already raised nearly half of its £385 target.
Writing on his page, Jim said: “Private George Henry Edwards of 1st Battalion Herefords was born in Hentland in 1893, and was baptised in St Catherine’s church in Hoarwithy.”
He continued: “He was a thrashing machine worker who lived at Red Rail. Private Edwards died in Bristol on February 4th 1918 from chest wounds received in Palestine, aged 25 and is buried in St Catherine’s churchyard.”
Adding: “Sadly, some years ago the memorial headstone of our local hero was damaged and it has been slowly deteriorating since.”
Mr Buckley explained that February 4th 2018 marks the Centenary of Pte Edwards’ death in Palestine, a campaign which saw the loss of nearly 62,000 British men.
In recognition of the soldier’s sacrifice, Jim wants to raise enough money to repair his headstone to its former glory.
Donors left messages of support on the JustGiving page. One wrote: “A really good cause. Those that faught, must be cherished.” Another said: “We will remember them.”
At the time of writing, the JustGiving page had reached £170 of its £385 target.
To support the appeal, please visit: