Company Sergeant Major Edward Maguire DCM, Croix De Guerre.
9005 1st Manchester Regiment.
Killed in Action 8th March 1916, aged 32.
From the Burnley Express dated 1st March 1916:
..............................Company Sergeant Major Edward McGuire, 9005, of the 1st Battalion Manchester Regiment, a young Burnley man. This is the second distinction conferred on him, as he has also received the Distinguished Conduct Medal for his gallantry during the present War. C.S.M. Maguire who is 32 years of age, had just completed his 12 years of service with the regulars in India when the war broke out, and was expecting being sent to a home station. The Outbreak of hostilities however brought about a change, and he came across to France at the same time as the first contingent of the Indian troops. He was home on leave 3 months ago going back to the front in the first week in December. What particularly deed has gained him the distinctions conferred his relatives do not know, but it is known that he has had several adventurous experiences, and on one occasion rescued a wounded comrade. His two brothers are also serving in the army, Private Alfred McGuire being with the King's Own Royal Lancaster’s in the Mediterranean Expeditionary Force, and Private Francis McGuire with the Lancashire Fusiliers on Salisbury Plain. Since he returned from leave no word has been received from him, and some uneasiness is felt by some of his friends. His mother resides at 15 Park Lane, Bridge Street, Burnley and his sister at 19 Eliza Street.
From the Burnley Express dated 11th March 1916: DISTINCTIONS FOR EAST LANCASHIRE.
Company Sergeant Major Maguire (9005), of the 1st Manchester Regiment, a Burnley young man (whose photograph we gave on March 1st, and who has also received the French Croix de Guerre), has been given the D.C.M.
For conspicuous gallantry; after his officers had become casualties; he led his company under very heavy fire and maintained his position near the enemies’ trenches. On other occasions he displayed great bravery and devotion to duty.
From the Burnley Express dated 18th Aug 1917: DEAD SON'S MEDAL. MOTHER RECEIVES IT AFTER 18 MONTHS.
This week Mrs Maguire of 15 Park Lane, Bridge Street Burnley, has received the distinguished conduct medal which was won by her dead son Company Sergeant Major Edward MaGuire, 9005, of the 1st Manchester Regiment. He was killed on March 8th 1916, after a remarkable career in the army, which closed by winning the DCM and the French Croix De Guerre. The latter has not yet come to hand.
Company Sergeant Major Maguire, who was 32 years old at the time of his death had over 15-years connection with the forces and had medals and clasps for other services. He held the medal for South Africa, and clasps for the Orange Free State and Cape Colony, 1901-2.
With the Militia he served in Malta from January 12th 1900 to February 2nd 1901 when he went to South Africa being there over a year. After joining the Manchester Regiment, he was at home from August 1903 to August 1904; then he went out to Singapore, and then to India in December 1904. He remained in India till the Outbreak of War- for 10-years - and was one of the first draught from India to Europe. He had many narrow escapes, and on one occasion rescued a wounded comrade.
There have also been two brothers serving, Alfred and Frances.
Mrs McGuire declined an offer for the DCM to be publicly presented.
Lived at 15 Park Lane.
Edward’s effects were disposed of in India, no other information was given.
Probate: Edward Maguire of Hyde Cheshire died 8 March 1916 in Mesopotamia. Administration, London 24 Nov to Bridget Maguire, widow, effects £36.
Edward is commemorated on the Basra Memorial, Iraq: Panels 31 & 64.