Edward Paton was born on 31st July 1895 and was educated at Perth Academy.

In 1901, the Paton family were living at 2 Atholl Place, Perth: Father, Edward L. (General Medical Practitioner) (33); Mother, Jean S. (37); Son, James L. (8); Son, Robert Y. (7); Son, Edward K. (5); Son, George D. ((3); Son, Ronald S. (2); and Daughter, Mary (2 weeks). Also living at this address were: Annie Gray (Housemaid, Domestic) (23); Elizabeth Skinner (Nurse, Domestic) (26); and Mina Henderson (Cook, Domestic (22). 

He enlisted with the 2/28th London Regiment (Artists Rifles) on 14th February 1916 (Reg. No, 761696) while living at 100, Hereford Road, Bayswater, London, and whilst employed as a Bank Clerk. He carried out Home Service from 14th February 1916 to 26th January 1917.

Edward applied to enter the Officer Cadet Unit on 1st August 1916, whilst serving with the Artists Rifles, at Harchall Camp. Romford, Essex. He stated a preference for service with the Infantry in the Black Watch (his brother James’ regiment) and his standard of education for commissioned rank was confirmed by Edward Smart, B.A., B.Sc., F.R.S.E., Rector of Perth Academy.

He was accepted for admission to the Machine Gun Corps Officer Cadet Unit, at Bisley, on 25th September 1916. Edward Paton was appointed to a temporary commission, as a Second Lieutenant, and posted to the Machine Gun Corps (London Gazette, 10th February 1917). He served with the 54th Company, Machine Gun Corps.

The 54th Company took part in the Battle of Arras (also known as the Second Battle of Arras) which took place from 9th April to 16th May 1917.

Although there is no definitive record of where, or how, Edward Paton lost his life, there is a record of him being admitted to No. 95 Field Ambulance Station around this time. It is also stated that there is no record of his body being recovered. He is, therefore, commemorated on the Memorial to the Missing at Arras. He was 21 years of age.

Edward Paton is also commemorated on the St. Andrew’s and St. Stephen's Church, Perth. Along with his brother James, he is also commemorated with a memorial window in St. John’s Kirk, Perth.