Rifleman Edward Nelson (7012314) served in 2nd Battalion Royal Ulster Rifles during the Second World War. He was the son of Thomas Nelson of 16 James Street, Ballymena, Co. Antrim, and the husband of Elizabeth Ellen Nelson of Gravesend, Kent.
Rifleman Nelson received the General Service Palestine Medal in 1940 for service there before the Second World War. He died on 19th May 1940 aged 31 years old. At the time, 2nd Battalion Royal Ulster Rifles was under heavy fire from the German Army. The Battalion was part of the rear-guard ensuring the British Expeditionary Force made a successful withdrawal to Dunkirk.
Edward Nelson’s grave is in Grave 106 of Hoogstade Churchyard, West-Vlaanderen, Belgium. His name is on the Ballymena War Memorial, Ballymena, Co. Antrim. His headstone in Belgium bears the inscription:
In loving memory. Your dear wife Elizabeth and children. Rest in peace.