Ordinary Seaman Edward Arda J/39295 was the son of Edward Arthur Arda and Martha Alice Moseley. Although the family came from Manchester, Lancashire, Edward was born 14 March 1898 in Bedminster, Somerset. He was baptised a few months later on 3 July 1898 at St Silas in Ardwick, Manchester.

Edward came from a large family. His older brother George Arthur was born in 1896, he also had 8 younger siblings. Herbert born in 1900 but sadly died in 1901, Margaret born in 1901, Alice born in 1904, twins Frank and James born in 1905 but both died shortly after. James born in 1907, Elizabeth born in 1909 and Eleanor born in 1914.

Edward was 3 years old at the time of the census in 1901. He lived with his parents and siblings at 7 Wilson Street, Clayton. His father worked as a stationary boiler fireman. When Edward was 6 years old, he and his older brother were admitted to Birley Street School, Manchester on 22 August 1904. The family were living at 77 Blackthorn Street in Manchester.

By the time of the census in 1911 Edward and his family were living in a 4 roomed house at 96 Carmen Street in Ardwick. Edward was 13 years old and still attended school as did his sisters Margaret and Alice. His older brother George worked as an errand boy and his father continued to work as a fireman at a local cotton mill. Later Edward started work at one of the many cotton mills in the area.

Edward enlisted in the Royal Navy 10 May 1915 at the age of 17. An article in the Ashton under Lyne Reporter (10 June 1916) states that he “always had a hankering after the Navy”.

[Edward's brother, George Arthur, service number 17170, enlisted in the Royal Marines, 8 September 1914.]

Edward's service record shows that he was 5 feet 9 inches tall, had brown hair, hazel coloured eyes and a fresh complexion.

 Initially Edward served on HMS Powerful which was used as a Training Ship at Devonport. In December 1915 he transferred to HMS Victory, and a short time later to HMS Malaya, a new 'super-dreadnought' battle cruiser built in 1915. Edward served as a Boy 2nd Class and from November 1915 he had obtained the relevant competencies to be rated Boy 1st Class. In March 1916 Edward was rated Ordinary Seaman.

On the 31 May 1916 the Malaya took part in the Battle of Jutland, considered to be the only major naval battle of World War One. The battle took place between the British Grand Fleet and the German High Seas Fleet in the North Sea, off mainland Denmark. HMS Malaya was hit at least 8 times and took major damage and heavy crew casualties. 65 men died in the battle or later from their injuries, and a similar number received injuries. Many casualties, including Edward, suffered severe burns.

After the battle, Edward was transferred to HMS Victory with a number of other wounded men. He died on 3 June 1916 from wounds he received during the battle. Edward was 18 years old.

Edward is buried at Rosskeen Parish Church Extension, Invergordon in Scotland, Grave C.380. His family chose the inscription 'As we loved him so we miss him ever in our thoughts'.

He is also remembered on the Waterloo and Taunton War Memorial, Ashton under Lyne, Greater Manchester.