Edward Torbet was one of my maternal grandmother’s younger brothers. He was born in Bells Close, Northumberland in 1895 and worked as a coal miner in Newcastle prior to joining up as one of Kitchenor's volunteers. I knew nothing about him other than remembering a now lost photograph of him next to my grandmother's bed in her flat in Benwell, Newcastle during the 1960's when I was an eleven year old. She never spoke about him and I never asked. Now anyone who could have told me anything about him have all gone so I would like to say a few words to remember him and his ultimate sacrifice. Edward’s memorial is at the Loos Cemetery in the village of Loos-en-Gohelle. This is situated about 5 kms northwest of Lens in Flanders. The Loos Memorial commemorates over 20,000 officers and men who fell in the area and who have no known grave. On both sides of the Cemetery are walls 15 feet high, on which are fixed tablets carved with the names. The names are continued along the back of the Cemetery in four small circular courts. His memorial is on panel 20/22. Edward had become a father four months earlier, I believe. Sadly young John Edward, his son also died in December 1916. St Philips Church in Elswick (now The Deeper Life Bible Church) also lists Edward Torbet on its memorial: http://www.newmp.org.uk/detail.php?contentId=7125 - listlink Thank you Edward - I am grateful that I belong to the blessed “Baby Boomer” generation who has never been called upon to make a similar sacrifice.

Peter Duncan