Date of Birth: Born 17th of July 1921, in Cambridge
Personal Details: Some sources state that Edward was born in Auckland but a death notice states Cambridge. Perhaps Auckland is referring to the provence.

Edward was the son on Mrs F. Sharp, who at the time of his death was living at 32 Shackleton Road, Mount Eden. He was educated at Auckland Grammar School. Before enlistment Edward had worked as a Postman.

Service Details: Edward left New Zealand for Britain aboard the RMS Rangitata on the 7th of June 1940. After operational training with No. 57 Operational Training Unit, he was serving with No. 74 Squadron, flying Supermarine Spitfires at the time of his death. He was credited with 3½ kills plus one probable, during the period of 28th of October 1940 and 18th of March 1941.

Date of Death : 19th of April 1941, aged 19.
Details of Death: Edward took off in Spitfire IIa P7381 at 17.10hrs from RAF Manston in Kent, and whilst patrolling over the English Channel his aircraft was intercepted by enemy fighter/s and he was last seen following a Messerschmitt 109 towards France, and is presumed to have been shot down. An accompanying Spitfire managed to escape the same fate and land safely. No trace was found of Edward's body.
Commemorated: No known grave. Commemorated on Panel 63 of the Runnymede Memorial

Connection with Cambridge: Edward was apparently born in Cambridge

Sources: Evening Post newspaper Casualty List (26 April 1941); 'For Your Tomorrow' by Errol Martyn, the Commonwealth War Grave Commission website, By Such Deeds by Colin Hanson and the Auckland War Memorial website