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Biography of Edward James Daly (1885–1952)

Early Life

Edward James Daly was born on 5 December 1885 in Battersea, London, England, the son of Edward Daly. He grew up in a working-class environment in London, where he learned the trade of a carpenter. As a young man he emigrated to South Australia, settling in the busy Port Adelaide district, where many English and Irish migrants had established themselves.

Marriage and Family

On 22 May 1907, at Exeter, Port Adelaide, Edward married Margaret Annie O'Brien (1890–1969), daughter of James O'Brien. At the time, Edward was 21 and Margaret 17. The couple lived in the Port Adelaide suburbs of Exeter, Glanville, Ferryville, Birkenhead, and later Largs Bay, raising a large Catholic family.

Together they had seven children:

Edward James Daly – b. 22 May 1907, Exeter
Catherine Ann Daly – b. 20 Jun 1908, Glanville
Rosina Agnes Daly – b. 15 Jun 1910, Glanville
William Daly – b. 17 Nov 1911, Glanville
Lorna May Daly – b. 6 Jul 1913, Ferryville
John Henry Daly – b. 9 Dec 1914, Birkenhead
Thomas Charles Daly – b. 8 Oct 1920, Largs Bay

First World War Service (1915–1919)

Enlistment and Training
On 12 July 1915, aged 29, Edward enlisted in the Australian Imperial Force (A.I.F.) at Keswick Barracks, South Australia. He was allocated to "A" Company, 32nd Battalion.
He was described as 5 ft 3½ in tall, 140 lbs, with a dark complexion, grey eyes, and dark hair.

Embarkation
He embarked from Adelaide on 18 November 1915 aboard HMAT Geelong, bound for Egypt.

Promotion Through the Ranks
Edward's leadership ability was quickly recognised:
July 1915 – Acting Sergeant at enlistment
16 Aug 1915 – Company Sergeant Major (CSM)
6 Apr 1916 – Warrant Officer Class II
18 Aug 1916 – Warrant Officer Class I (Regimental Sergeant Major, RSM)
As RSM of the 32nd Battalion, Edward held the most senior non-commissioned position, responsible for discipline, drill, and administration — the commanding officer's right-hand man.

Overseas Service
After training in Egypt, Edward sailed to France in June 1916, where the 32nd Battalion endured the horrors of the Western Front.
He served through major battles, including Fromelles, and later was seconded to training and cadre depots in England, where his experience was used to prepare reinforcements.

Return to Australia
He returned aboard the Wyreema in March 1919 and was formally discharged in Adelaide on 20 July 1919.

Honours
For his service, he received the:
1914–15 Star
British War Medal
Victory Medal

Interwar Years

After the war, Edward resumed life at Largs Bay, returning to carpentry and family responsibilities. Like many veterans, he applied to the Repatriation Commission for assistance and in 1933 requested replacement discharge papers after his originals were destroyed in a house fire.

Second World War Service (1939–1944)

Re-Enlistment
At the outbreak of the Second World War, despite being 53 years old, Edward once again enlisted, signing up on 30 September 1939 at Adelaide. He joined the Garrison Battalion, 4th Military District, later transferring to the 25th Employment Company, Royal Australian Engineers. His service number was S212322.

Duties and Promotions
He served in instructional and administrative roles, training younger soldiers and supervising labour corps units in South Australia and the Northern Territory. His career progression mirrored that of the First World War:
October 1939 – Acting Corporal → Corporal
December 1939 – Sergeant
July 1941 – Warrant Officer Class II
October 1941 – Appointed to Instructional Staff

Discharge
In late 1944, medical boards deemed him unfit for further service due to age and health. He was discharged on 29 December 1944, aged 59.

Later Life and Death

Edward returned to civilian life at Largs Bay with Margaret. Though suffering from recurring chest complaints, emphysema, and heart problems, he remained active within his family.

On 29 August 1952, at his home in Mary Street, Largs Bay, Edward collapsed from coronary atheroma (heart disease) and died suddenly at the age of 66. A coroner's inquest and post-mortem confirmed natural causes.

He was buried at Cheltenham Cemetery in Port Adelaide, Section FX, Drive A, Path 28, Site 178C.

Character and Legacy

Edward James Daly lived a life defined by duty, resilience, and service. Rising to the rank of Regimental Sergeant Major in the A.I.F., he embodied the discipline and leadership of a career soldier while balancing the responsibilities of husband and father to seven children. His service across two world wars stands as a testament to his commitment to Australia, his family, and his community.

His widow, Margaret Annie Daly, survived him by 17 years, passing away in November 1969 at Semaphore, and was buried beside him at Cheltenham Cemetery.

Biography by Trevor Pyatt 16-08-2025