In 1911, the Edwards family were living at 40 Rose Crescent, Perth: Father, David (Dyers Examiner), b. c1864, Perth; Mother, Jane, b. c1864, Perth; Son, John (Clerk - Medical Inspector of Schools), b. c1893, Perth; Son, James B. (Clerk - Sanitary Inspector, Perth County Council), b. c1895, Perth; Son, David, b. c1897, Perth; Daughter, Christina, b. c1899, Perth; and Daughter, Frances H. M., b. c1901, Perth.

John Edwards received his commission shortly before landing in France on the 5th January 1918. By March 1918 the 3rd Battalion of the Rifle Brigade were part of the 24th Division of the British Army.

21st March 1918, the Battle of Saint-Quentin

On the morning of 21st March, the British Infantry were attacked in overwhelming strength in thick fog, wearing gas masks for much of the day, finding the fast-moving enemy infantry had broken through gaps in the defences and was rounding them up from behind. Thousands were killed and more captured. Many garrisons of strongpoints held out although surrounded, but the Germans drove deep into the British positions in several areas, precipitating retreat and chaos that developed over the next few days.

John Edwards would have lost his life at some stage of the Battle of Saint-Quentin and having no known grave he is commemorated on the Pozieres Memorial. He was 25 years of age. John Edwards is also commemorated on the Lodge Scoon and Perth No.3 War Memorial.