Open/Close Toolbox
This work is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution-Noncommercial 3.0 New Zealand License
Format: Person
Linked To
CollectionImage
Copyright
This work is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution-Noncommercial 3.0 New Zealand LicenseThis licence lets you remix, tweak, and build upon our work noncommercially and although your new works must also acknowledge us and be noncommercial, you do not have to license the derivative works on the same terms.
- People
- Places
- Themes
- Surprise Me!
Menu
- People
- Places
- Themes
- Surprise Me!
Captain Edmund Boulnois
Description
TitleCaptain Edmund BoulnoisAlternative NameTeddySummaryA soldier in World War One. DescriptionEdmund, known as Teddy, was born in Dunedin in 1885, the eldest son of Arthur and Annie Louisa Boulnois, of Aylesbury. His grandfather, the late Edmund Boulnois was M.P. for Marylebone, London. He received his early education at Mr Baker's school at Goodwood, completing his education at Christ's College, Christchurch. On leaving school he was farming with his father and had been managing the estate. He was a member of the Cricket, Tennis, Football, and Athletic Clubs and of the Courtenay A. and P Association, and was looked upon as one of the best athletes in the district.
Edmund was on a visit to his grandmother in England when war broke out, and underwent an operation to qualify for the Army. He received a commission as Lieutenant in the Worcestershire Regiment. He then undertook a course of training and was appointed second in command of a training camp at Purbrook and later at Swanage. However, he transferred to the West Yorkshire Regiment and was sent to the front in June, 1916. He had numerous narrow escapes, was Mentioned in Despatches and was slightly gassed on one occasion. He was killed in action on 23 October 1916, aged 31.
His commanding officer, Edward H. Clarke, wrote to describe his death. The letter was dated October 24th "It is with the deepest regret that I write to tell you that Captain Boulnois was killed yesterday morning, by a shell. His death was instantaneous, and he is buried where he fell, the spot is marked, and can be identified. Ever since he joined this Battalion, I have considered him one of my best officers and I included his name among the few I was allowed to send in for special mention a week ago. He was beloved by everyone in the battalion, and was a natural leader of men. Before he was killed, he had done a particularly risky piece of work, taping out a new trench in the front line. He led the company to the spot, remained with it while the work was done and was returning when he was killed”
His name is inscribed on the Thiepval Memorial, Pier and Face 2 A 2 C and 2 D. In New Zealand Edmund is remembered on the Malvern County War Memorial.
First NameEdmundLast NameBoulnoisFamilySingleEldest son of Arthur and Annie Louisa Boulnois, of AylesburyDate of Birth1885Place of BirthDunedinDate of Death23 October 1916Place of DeathSomme, FranceCause of DeathKilled in actionAge at Death31
Edmund was on a visit to his grandmother in England when war broke out, and underwent an operation to qualify for the Army. He received a commission as Lieutenant in the Worcestershire Regiment. He then undertook a course of training and was appointed second in command of a training camp at Purbrook and later at Swanage. However, he transferred to the West Yorkshire Regiment and was sent to the front in June, 1916. He had numerous narrow escapes, was Mentioned in Despatches and was slightly gassed on one occasion. He was killed in action on 23 October 1916, aged 31.
His commanding officer, Edward H. Clarke, wrote to describe his death. The letter was dated October 24th "It is with the deepest regret that I write to tell you that Captain Boulnois was killed yesterday morning, by a shell. His death was instantaneous, and he is buried where he fell, the spot is marked, and can be identified. Ever since he joined this Battalion, I have considered him one of my best officers and I included his name among the few I was allowed to send in for special mention a week ago. He was beloved by everyone in the battalion, and was a natural leader of men. Before he was killed, he had done a particularly risky piece of work, taping out a new trench in the front line. He led the company to the spot, remained with it while the work was done and was returning when he was killed”
His name is inscribed on the Thiepval Memorial, Pier and Face 2 A 2 C and 2 D. In New Zealand Edmund is remembered on the Malvern County War Memorial.
First NameEdmundLast NameBoulnoisFamilySingleEldest son of Arthur and Annie Louisa Boulnois, of AylesburyDate of Birth1885Place of BirthDunedinDate of Death23 October 1916Place of DeathSomme, FranceCause of DeathKilled in actionAge at Death31
Connections
CollectionSoldiers of Selwyn World War OneImageMalvern War MemorialMore InformationAuckland War Memorial Cenotaph
Military Service
Memorial or CemeteryThiepval MemorialMalvern County War Memorial Occupation before EnlistingFarmerRegiment or ServiceWest Yorkshire RegimentService Number6157CountryNew Zealand
Attribution
Researched ByL. M. Seaton
Captain Edmund Boulnois. Selwyn Stories, accessed 15/06/2026, https://selwynstories.selwynlibraries.co.nz/nodes/view/326