Arthur Frederick Edwards

Arthur Frederick Edwards, GC (1895-1984) was awarded the George Cross in 1971 having received the Edward Medal in 1919 (now in the Ipswich Museum). The award was for bravely assisting, with three other soldiers, in the rescue of wounded at Faversham Powder Mills store, Kent, when serving as a Bombardier in the Royal Artillery in April 1916.

The store which contained 200 tons of TNT was afflicted by a chain of explosions which Edwards and his colleagues prevented while saving many wounded and inspiring others to assist.

Arthur was educated at Ipswich Grammar School and Bishop’s Stortford School.

He became a director of the department store, J&J Edwards, which was based at 33-35 Tavern Street from 1900-68. The retailer was founded by Arthur Edwards’ father, James F Edwards, and his uncle.

The plaque was unveiled on May 8th 2019.