Edward Winsor Soper (1882 - 1939)

Born 15 Sep 1882 in Spring Creek, Marlborough, New Zealand

Ancestors

Husband of Emily (Sykes) Soper — married 7 Apr 1917 in Auckland, New Zealand

Died 29 Aug 1939 at age 56 in Whatawhata, Waikato, New Zealand

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Biography

Birth Edward was born in 1882 in Spring Creek^[1]

Edward is the child of Winsor Soper and Eliza Squire.

Edward moved away to Morrinsville, and it was from there he enlisted to serve in WWI aged 32 on 16 October 1914. Edward lost a leg at Gallipoli and returned home and the following was published in the Marlborough Express on 18 March 1916 recounting his return home:

Returned soldiers reception^[2]

A cordial reception was tendered to Lance Corporal H. S. Macey and Private Edward W. Soper, who returned to Blenheim last evening. In the presence of the National Reserve, the Territorial Forces, and a large gathering of the public, the Mayor (Mr J. J. Corry), speaking from the Market Place rotunda, complimented the returned soldiers on their participation in the fighting at Gallipoli, and extended to them a hearty welcome home. Other speakers were Mr E. S. Parker (Deputy Mayor) and the Rev. B. F. Rothwell. The Tenth Mounted Regimental Band rendered appropriate music. Private Soper has had a leg amputated below the knee, and wears an artificial limb.

Post War Reception ^[3]

On 6 May 1916 the Marlborough Express reported upon the formal Welcome Home for Edward Soper, held in Rapaura:

The Rapaura Hall was well filled on Wednesday evening, when a welcome home was given to Private Edward Soper, who lost his leg on the Gallipoli Peninsula during the fierce attack which followed the memorable landing on April 25th of last year.

Private Soper was one of the first to obey the call of duty, and enlisted at Morrinsville in the 6th Hauraki Regiment. Although residing away at the time of his enlistment, it was felt by the residents of the district that it was only fitting that honor should be rendered to one who had been born and lived the greater part of his life in the district.

The proceedings opened with the singing of the National Anthem and a selection ("Songs for the Allies") by the Rapaura Orchestra. Vocal items were given by Misses M. Pigon, F. Morrison, K. O'Dwyer and Messrs Bull and Wintringham, all of whom met with hearty appreciation. The Mayor of Blenheim (Mr. J. J. Corry) was called upon to welcome Private Soper and present him with a well-filled wallet (suitably inscribed) as a token of admiration and regard from the residents of their Spring Creek district. In an interesting speech Mr Corry reviewed a little of the past history of the district, and showed how the Soper family had always been to the fore in matters of volunteering and rifle shooting, and therefore it was only natural that as member of such a family should have responded early to the call of his King and country. Mention was also made of the serious loss Private Soper had sustained and the hope was expressed that he would receive something commensurate from the patriotic funds to supplement the pension granted by the Government.

The Rev. W. Wollstein in a stirring speech also spoke words of welcome and admiration of the ready response that had been made by Private Soper, and appealed to all who were eligible to follow his worthy example. Private Soper, in replying, thanked his friends for the welcome and kindness, and in a calm but thrilling manner related his experiences from the time of his leaving New Zealand to the receiving of his wound. There was not a trace of egotism, but the audience realised that he had done "his bit" well, and were proud that one of their number had participated in that historic landing.

Mr Corry then called for three cheers for Private Soper which were given most enthusiastically. After another selection by the orchestra, supper was handed round. A few dances followed, and terminated one of the pleasantest functions ever held in the hall.

Marriage Notice ^[4]

In its 5 May 1917 edition the Marlborough Express updated the district on Edward, recording his marriage to Emily Sykes:

Private Edward Winsor Soper, a Marlborough boy who went to Gallipoli and a member of the 6th Hauraki Main Body, and was severely wounded, was married in Auckland recently to Sister Sykes, who was in charge of the ward for New Zealand soldiery in the Manchester Infirmary while Private Soper was there. The staff of John Court Ltd where Private Soper is employed, presented him with a spirit kettle as a mark of esteem.

Marriage He married Emily Sykes and had children

Kathleen Mary

Geoffrey

Hazel

Edward died in 1939 at the age of 57.

Death - Funeral Notice^[5] Whatawhata, Edward Wlnsor. loved husband of Emily Soper, and loved father of Geoffrey and Hazel, late N.Z.E.F.; aged 67 years. The funeral will leave the above address to-morrow (Thursday) at 2.30 p.m. for the Whatawhata Cemetery.

Cemetery information ^[6] Birth: Sep. 15, 1882 Blenheim Marlborough, New Zealand
Death: Aug. 29, 1939 Hamilton Waikato, New Zealand
aged 57 years

Late Main Body NZEF
beloved husband of Emily Soper

Sources

1. ↑ NZ BDM birth 1882/15345 Soper Edward Winsor Eliza Winsor
2. ↑ Marlborough Express on 18 March 1916
3. ↑ 6 May 1916 the Marlborough Express
4. ↑ 5 May 1917 edition the Marlborough Express
5. ↑ NEW ZEALAND HERALD, VOLUME LXXVI, ISSUE 23438, 30 AUGUST 1939
6. ↑ FindaGrave