3531059 Private Edward Wells. 8th Manchesters, died 10/1/44 in Malta

A former pupil of mine is trying to find out about his great-grandfather, Private Wells, who died in Malta on 10th January 1944, aged 43 and is buried in Pembroke Cemetery on the island. Apparently the family knows nothing about the circumstances of his death. One problem is that the 8th Manchesters had actually left Malta in 1943, so he it looks as if he may have had a long-term illness/injury. Unfortunately CWGC and the Army Roll of Honour don't give any clues. I have also posted this on the Manchester egiment forum but as yet no-one has come up with any info. Thanks in advance.


Private Edward Wells | War Casualty Details 1705302 | CWGC

 

There is a book about the Battalion: The Ardwick Boys Went to Malta that might be worth looking up.

 

I would suggest applying for his service records https://www.gov.uk/requests-for-personal-data-and-service-records

TD

 

I shall suggest this to my ex-pupil.

 

I am sorry I didn't see this sooner but I think the person you are talking about was my Grandfather's uncle who was also stationed on Malta at the same time. I think Edward was a runner in the Airforce and died of a suspected heart attack. I have attached a picture taken in Malta with Edward on the left and my grandfather right.

Hope this is the same person.

 

Mike,

The author of the opening and last post, Mark Hone, has not logged on since May 2020. I will send him a PM that you have added a post, this assumes the email address given when he joined is still valid.

 

Morning,

I have messaged him on 1914-1918 Forum.

Regards,

Graeme

 

Thank you.

 

I was researching my grandfather’s time in the WW2 with my mother. He was a fitter/mechanic stationed in Malta and also spent time in Gibraltar and Sicily. He served in the RAFVR. Whilst I never met him, my mum would recount stories he’d told her. Edward Wells came up in the conversation several times so I Googled his name and this came up. They were both stationed over in Malta and mum seems to think he’d had a heart attack - although this story has obviously been passed down to her. She says he was buried over there - can’t be a coincidence. Hope this is of help.