In memory of Alun Edwards
Alun Edwards was born in Ruthin in 1909 to builder/joiner John Edwards and his wife Elizabeth, writes Adrian Hughes. They had 20 children together and adopted another. The Edwards children were known as the “bandmasters”. Their father and grandfather had conducted Ruthin town band for many years.
Alun was one of six brothers who served during the Second World War. Their older brother, John William Edwards, had died in 1918 during the First World War and is buried at Dozinghem military cemetery, Belgium. He is commemorated on Ruthin war memorial.
Continuing the family tradition, Alun was a talented musician and played with Rhyl Silver Band. He married Margaret Ellen Holmes in 1937 and they lived at 72 Marsh Road, Rhyl. Before joining the Royal Army Service Corps in 1941, Alun worked for grocers Jones & Sons, of Abbey Street, Rhyl.
After basic training he was sent to the Far East and was attached to the Royal Artillery. He was captured by the Japanese at Singapore and incarcerated at several prisoner of war camps, latterly on the island of Borneo where he died of acute dysentery at Kuching five days before the Japanese signed the official surrender.
Alun was 35 years old and is buried at Labuan War Cemetery, East Malaysia.
With thanks to Alun’s nephew, John Edwards
Return to Rhyl war memorial page
