Edwin Christian Corbyn was born in Upper Norwood, London, in 1873. He joined the 18th Bengal Lancers in 1893 and served with them until his death in 1917. His service in the First World War began on 13 Nov 1914 but he spent April to June 1915 on sick leave in England. Whilst serving in France he was appointed commanding officer in April 1917. The previous CO, Colonel Muspratt, had been invalided with severe frostbite. Major Corbyn commanded the 18th KGO Lancers in the battle of Cambrai and led them in the action against the German held position at Gauche Wood. There was an awful day on 1 Dec 1917 when shelling from both sides continued all day. The Germans were attempting to hit an abandoned ammunition dump now held by the British. Just after 4pm a shell hit regimental headquarters and killed Lieutenant-Colonel Corbyn. Lieutenant W B Bletsoe was injured and Lt Sandeman severely shaken. The regiment was relieved at 9pm that evening and the next day Lieutenant-Colonel Corbyn was buried at Heudicourt Cemetery. The whole regiment attended his funeral. In the regimental History, Hudson writes:
‘It was a scene to be remembered, the men, mounted, lined the outside of the cemetery. The drone of aeroplanes circling overhead and the distant mutter of artillery fire sounded a fitting requiem to the earthly remains of a trusted commanding officer, a staunch comrade and a gallant soldier.’
Edwin Corbyn was married to Emily Evelyn Baumgartner from Finchampstead. They were married on 23 Mar 1903 at Sialkot.
