Edwin Baldock is noted in Chailey Parish Magazine in January, March and April 1916 as having attested.  The remark, "medically unfit" is recorded next to his name and this was due to the fact that he had been kicked in the leg by a horse before the war.  The injury was sufficient to prevent him being called up for military service.

Edwin's grandson recalls that he worked with horses but that his main occupation was that of a sign-writer.  He had married Emily Page on 9th November 1907 and although initially based in Chailey Parish, the couple had moved to Brighton.  Emily died in 1944 and Edwin died around 1952.

Kelly’s 1915 directory for Sussex lists Edwin as Farm Bailiff to Mr Harry Gearing of Church House Farm and Chailey resident Reg Philpott remembers that the Baldock family came from nearby Wivelsfield where they were butchers and blacksmiths.

The undated photograph on this page shows Edwin Baldock in later life.

Sources & Acknowledgements

• Chailey Parish Magazine
• Kelly’s 1915 Directory for Sussex
• Interview with Reg Philpott in 2003
• I am grateful to Michael Baldock for contacting me and providing additional information about his grandparents