Finding Philip Edwards in France

In 2012, military historian Gilles Lagin of Marigny-en-Orxois, France used recently acquired National Archives records and original battlefield maps to determine how Private Philip Edwards spent his final days in France. The images below, taken in July 2012, show the area Phil’s company passed through on July 19, 20, and 21, 1918 and reveal the church where his name is carved along with other members of the 26th Division who made the supreme sacrifice for their country. In September 2014, Gilles traveled to Belleau to pay another visit to the 26th Division Memorial Church. Photos taken during that trip also appear below.