Edward Arthur Pullinger was born in Sutton, Surrey, in the summer of 1897. The oldest of three children, his parents were gardener Arthur Pullinger, and his wife, Ellen.

Arthur seemed to move the family to wherever the work was. By 1902 they had settled in Monkton Wyld, in Dorset, where he was employed on a local estate. Edward’s two siblings, sisters Constance and Nellie, were both born there, but the 1911 census shows that the Pullingers had moved again, to the village of Charlton Mackrell in Somerset.

When war came to Europe, Arthur stepped up to play his part. Sadly, full service records are no longer available, but it is clear from what remains that he enlisted in the Royal Engineers as a Sapper. He remained in the army, until being discharged from duty on 21st May 1919.

Another sad death took place on Wednesday of last week in the person of Mr EA Pullinger, only son of Mr and Mrs A Pullinger… Deceased, who was of a bright and happy disposition and a favourite with all, was gassed in the Great War, from the effects of which he never really recovered. He was always ready and willing to help in the social life of the village and will be missed greatly.

Langport & Somerton Herald: Saturday 12th March 1921

Edward Arthur Pullinger had succumbed to tuberculosis on 2nd March 1921, at the age of 23 years old. He was laid to rest in the peaceful graveyard of St Mary’s Church, in Charlton Mackrell.

---