Edgar Kessler
Edgar Kessler. Image courtesy of Imperial War Museum © IWM (HU 123525)
1887 – 10th June 1915. Manchester Regiment (6th Battalion)
Edgar Kessler was a former Manchester FC player killed in Gallipoli during the Great War. He was born in Manchester, the son of Philip and Grace Kessler, who lived in Fallowfield. In peacetime, he worked in shipping, for the family firm Kessler and Co., on Dale Street.
He played primarily for Manchester’s “A” team in the 1908-1909 season.
Before the war, Kessler was in the TAs, but was commissioned as a captain in the 6th Manchesters just three weeks into the war, after he volunteered for overseas service. He went to Egypt and then Gallipoli, where he was killed in action.
Toward the end of the war, Kessler’s widow donated over £8 to the Manchester Regiments Prisoners of War fund.
Kessler is buried at Redoubt Cemetery, Helles, Turkey, Grave. Sp. Mem. B.90
SOURCES
Imperial War Museum
Manchester Guardian
World Rugby Museum