AN ATTRACTIVE & UNUSUAL
DISTINGUISHED SERVICE ORDER
1914-15 Trio (Mentioned in Despatches)
Defence Medal & Territorial Decoration.
To:
MAJOR E.H. VARWELL.
Wessex Div' Signals Coy,R.E. (T.F.)

Ashburton (Devon) Home Guard Joint Commander WW2 & Deputy Lieutenant of Devon.


[BIOGRAPHY]
Edward Heron VARWELL was born in Exeter on the 18th September 1879*. The son of Hawkins B. Varwell, of Chagford, Devon. In the December quarter of 1910 Edward H Varwell married Winifred J Vinen in the St George Hanover Square registration district. The 1911 census shows the Varwells living at Crossways, Exton near Topsham. This address is confirmed on the reverse of Edward's MIC which also shows that he entered France on December 21st 1914.He was awarded the DSO in June 1915. A member of the Wessex Divisional Signal Company, the Western Times stated that he had been a member of the R E Territorial Force for some years prior to the war and was in training with his company when the war began. The unit was moved to Winchester and then on to the a Western Front. He was wounded in the hand, but refused to return to England, going instead to the south of France before returning to the Front.

In civilian life Edward was a Coal Factor

Edward Heron Varwell and Winifred Janet Varwell (nee Vinen) later owned and lived at "Place" Ashburton from approximately 1930 – 1963. They had two daughters: Primrose Vinen Heron Varwell and Joan Heron Varwell and a son Peter Graham Heron Varwell.

His granddaughter remembers

'When I knew him in his old age, Grandad Edward was a nice little quiet man who looked a bit like Captain Mainwaring, but much nicer!

Granny Winifred towered over him. I believe both she and her mother were around 6 foot.
Both Edward and his wife Winifred are buried in St Andrew's Churchyard, Ashburton. He died on April 1st 1960 and probate was granted on the 10th August in London to William Michael Pybus solicitor and Peter Graham Heron Varwell. His effects were valued at £59,953.3s.9d which was a major fortune in 1960. (The equivalent to the value of perhaps 20 normal three bedroom houses during this period !!)


An excellent gallantry group to a much loved officer. All medals are practically mint state & are 'as worn' by the recipient on their original ribbons.

£2750 With Part Exchanges Very Welcome.