Schonfield, Edwin (1890 - 1916)

Captain, 2nd/19th Bn. London Regiment

Buried at Ecoivres Military Cemetery, Mont-St. Eloi

Commemorated at Hillhead High School

Captain Edwin Schonfield, second son of Mr. and Mrs. A. Schonfield, 10 Royal Crescent, West, was one of a family who have carried off many honours at Hillhead High School, and are held in great regard by all the members of the staff. He was a native of the city, and was in his twenty-seventh year.

Soon after leaving School he travelled for several years over the greater part of Europe. In August, 1914, he had booked his passage to America, but he speedily changed his tourist's garb for the King's uniform. He was gazetted second lieutenant in The London Regiment in October, 1914. He was made lieutenant in December, 1915, and captain in August, 1916.

He went through much of the heavy fighting on the Somme, and fell in action on the 20th September, 1916. His commanding officer writes, "I cannot tell you how deeply we all feel the loss of your son, and our sympathies with you in your great bereavement. Your son has been a model of efficiency out here. No work or duty was too hard or too difficult for him, and his name had been forwarded some time ago for promotion."

Another officer writes, "His cool, enduring courage, his personal example, and his ever cheerful disposition were to us such a blessing and asset that we can never replace him."

By the testimony of all his friends, the master-notes in Edwin Schonfield's character were his unfailing cheerfulness, which was proof against all the trials and hardships of trench life, and his intense sense of duty.

The memory of these qualities will be a lasting and precious possession to his friends and old school-fellows.