Edmund Bond (1887-1977) biography

Thank you to David Underwood for sending us a very interesting biography of former Long Melford FC player Edmund Bond.

Born: 5th October 1887

Age 16 – Played for Long Melford Football Club and Suffolk County from 1903 and went on to captain Suffolk. Whilst living in Stowmarket in 1908/09, he played for the town side against Long Melford. Later he also played for Ipswich in the Southern Amateur League and for Chelmsford.

Age 27 – WW1: Joined up 5th April 1914 (Private in 5th Battalion, Suffolk Regiment). Posted to Gallipoli in August 1915, evacuated to Egypt December 1915. Took part in the invasion of Palestine 1917 (1st, 2nd, 3rd Battle of Gaza, Battle of Sharon and capture of Jerusalem). Promoted to Sergeant. Issued with Silver War Badge and discharged 17th April 1919.

Age 33 – Married to Ellen Hephzibah Steward in July 1921.

Age 35 – A broken collar bone finished his footballing career in 1922.

Age 40 – Ellen died on 15th January 1928, aged 40. Suffolk Free Press newspaper archive, January 19th 1928: A sad accident occurred near High Street, Long Melford which resulted in the death of Mrs Ellen Bond of Kentwell Lodge. The deceased was out for a walk with a perambulator, in which was a baby she was in charge of, near Mr Deek’s farm (High Street Farm). Colonel Oliver was passing in his car, he applied his brakes to avoid a dog and the car turned round completely on the greasy road. The vehicle caught Mrs Bond inflicting fatal injuries. Mrs Bond was the wife of Mr E. Bond the Melford and County footballer. Mrs Bond was formerly the district nurse at Melford. During the war Mr Bond was in B.1/5 Suffolks which by melancholy coincidence was commanded by Col Oliver. Although the pram was struck, the baby was uninjured. Everything possible was done for Mrs Bond but she passed away at her home shortly after.

Age 41 – Re-married to Kate Winifred Pitt 1929. Edmund and Kate had three daughters: Rita (born 17th August 1930), Dorothy (born 9th August 1931), Kathleen (born 22nd June 1932).

Died: 23rd April 1977 (aged 89), buried with Kate in Long Melford Cemetery.

Bibliography
ancestry.co.uk
Long Melford Football Club: Donald McCormick (1968)
Long Melford & the Great War: David Gevaux (2018)
Suffolk Free Press

With thanks to David Underwood (Edmund’s grandson) for the biography and photos of Edmund.