Devon countryside, 1918

Photograph compiled by 2nd Lieutenant Cyril Edwards DSO, World War One (1914-1918), 1918.

Cyril Edwards (1893-1978) a member of the 2/7th Battalion The Prince of Wales's Own (West Yorkshire Regiment) was wounded in action in July 1917 when he stood on a hand grenade to save the life of a non-commissioned officer. Edward's foot was blown off, but he became the first officer to receive and survive a blood transfusion at a front line hospital. He was awarded the Distinguished Service Order (DSO) for his bravery. He was sent to Watermouth Castle in Devon to convalesce in 1918. While there he took several photographs of the local countryside.

Watermouth Castle is a Georgian stately home near Ilfracombe in Devon. From 1916 it was used as a military convalescent hospital for wounded officers. Once a home to the Bassett family the house is now the site of a theme park.

From a photograph album compiled by Second Lieutenant Cyril Edwards DSO, 1917-1918.