A PLAY is to be written about a World War One hero who kept a remarkable diary of his five years on the frontline and who now lies in an unmarked grave at Warrington Cemetery.
The diaries of Private Edward Roe during his time fighting in Northern France, Gallipoli and Mesopotamia were re-discovered and published in 2002 – 50 years after his death.
Experts believe his first hand accounts of the battles he saw are some of the best available and his original, handwritten scripts are now on permanent display in a museum at Preston Army Barracks and have been edited into a book.
But his family in Ireland lost touch with him after the war and know little of his later life, which was spent in Warrington.
He died in 1952, aged 66 and was buried in Warrington Cemetery, where his 
grave now lies neglected.
But his great-nephew, Pat Freeman is trying to piece together a picture of his final years.
He is appealing for anyone in Warrington who may remember him or have photos to get in touch.
Pat said: “Edward lived at 182 Gorsey Lane in Warrington. I have also found out there was a public house beside where he lived but I’m not sure what it was called when he lived there
“But the landlord paid for the funeral. If anyone might have some more information it would be of great help as there is going to be a play about his life.”
Actress and theatrical director Bairbre Ni Chaoimh is in the process of researching his life.
She is travelling to Preston to visit the barracks to read the diaries and also be visiting the grave at Warrington.
Pat is hoping someone in Warrington might have information that would provide more detail for the play.
He said: “He was my mother’s uncle, my grandfather’s brother and I know a bit about his early life but there is a big gap about his time in Warrington. He was a remarkable man and I’d love to hear from anyone who has information about him.”
Pat can be contacted at [email protected]
Pictures: The cover of “Diary of an Old Contemptible” and a page from the handwritten diary.
War hero's diary to become a play
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About Author
Gary Skentelbery
Experienced journalist for more than 40 years. Managing Director of magazine publishing group with three in-house titles and on-line daily newspaper for Warrington. Experienced writer, photographer, PR consultant and media expert having written for local, regional and national newspapers. Specialties: PR, media, social networking, photographer, networking, advertising, sales, media crisis management. Chair of Warrington Healthwatch Director Warrington Chamber of Commerce Patron Tim Parry Johnathan Ball Foundation for Peace. Trustee Warrington Disability Partnership. Former Chairman of Warrington Town FC.
