Edward Short Mudford Biography
He was discovered to exist when his Certificate of the Inspector of Seamen's Wills sent to the next of kin, Arthur Thomas Mudford, his brother, was found with George Tredew's records. His Navy number was J/26706 (Dev).
He was born on 29 March 1898, significantly after the death of his father, in Midsomer Norton. Mary Jane Mudford, who gave no maiden name and no father's name, registered his birth in Midsomer Norton sub district and Clutton registration district on 9 May 1898.
He died on 18 March 1920 at the Royal Naval Hospital East Stonehouse nr. Plymouth, whilst a leading seaman on HMS Woolwich. D. McHall, Surgeon Rear Admiral, registered his death in the County of Plymouth in the registration and sub-registration district of East Stonehouse on 29 March 1920. He died of Influenza and Pneumonia with no post mortem carried out. Given the date it is safe to assume he was one of the victims of Spanish Flu.
In 1916 he served on the ship Thunderer in the Battle of Jutland, as per his Navy service record
The following data was found inthe Commonwealth War Graves Commemoration register: -
In Memory of Leading Seaman E S MUDFORD H.M.S. "P.54.",Royal Navy Who died on Thursday, 18 March 1920.
Remembered with honour CHILCOMPTON (ST. JOHN THE BAPTIST) CHURCHYARD, Somerset, United Kingdom.
In the perpetual care of the Commonwealth War Graves Commission
The 1911 Census has Edwin (as he was known) and his sister Emily as inmates in the Shepton Mallet workhouse.
The 1901 Census Redhouse Farm, Stratton om Fosse, Shepton Mallet, Somerset, England
| Name | Position | Age | Where Born | Occupation | BK No |
| Mary Mudford | Head | 40 | Kilmersdon | Milker on Farm | 50 |
| Joseph W Mudford | Son | 14 | Midsomer Norton | Farm Labourer | 52 |
| Ethel Mudford | Daur | 11 | Midsomer Norton | 1568 | |
| George Mudford | Son | 9 | Midsomer Norton | 51 | |
| Mary Mudford | Daur | 6 | Chilcompton | 321 | |
| Mabel Mudford | Daur | 4 | Chilcompton | 566 | |
| Edwin Mudford | Son | 3 | Midsomer Norton | 69 | |
| Emily Mudford | Daur | 4m | Stratton on Fosse | 734 |