Private Ernest Edward Edgington

Ernest Edward Edgington, [ca. 1941]. City of Richmond Archives, photograph # 1996 4 2

Birth: February 12, 1923 in Rutland, BC

Death: December 11, 1943 in Italy

Service: WWII

Service Number: K68544

Biography:
Ernest Edward Edgington attended Richmond High School during the 1930s and he enlisted in Vancouver on April 15, 1941 giving his occupation as carpenter's apprentice and truck driver. He was single, and his next of kin were his parents, James and Susan Edgington.

On enlistment he was posted to the Irish Fusiliers and spent over a year in Canada before embarking for England June 1942. Prior to his embarkation he was transferred to the 1st Battalion of the Seaforth Highlanders of Canada. During his time in England, Ernie took several courses including one on training to become a motorcycle dispatch rider. He wrote many letters home during his time in England. He wrote to his mother to say that he had been in touch with his brother John, and that they had managed to meet.

On July 13, 1943 his unit disembarked in Italy where they took part in the campaign in Sicily. Ernie Edgington was killed in action December 11, 1943 in Italy and was buried in the Morro River Cemetery, Ortona, Italy. Three of his brothers, Victor Cecil, John Henry, and Arnold George all served in the Canadian Armed Forces.

History of the Road Name (Edgington Avenue):

• Council Resolution to adopt road name: Council Minutes February 4, 1946, res. 8711, pg. 45
• Decommissioned with the federal expropriation of the subdivision for airport expansion
• 2017 a new Edgington Avenue opened