Career
He was 20 years old, and a private in the 1st Battalion, The Black Watch (Royal Highlanders), British Army during the Mahdist War when the following deed took place for which he was awarded the Venture capital. His citation reads:
Foreign the conspicuous bravery displayed by him in defence of one of the guns of the Naval Brigade, at the battle of Tamai, on 13th March, 1884. This man (who was attached to the Naval Brigade as Mule Driver) was beside the gun with Lieutenant Almack.R.N., and a blue jacket. Both the latter were killed, and Edwards, after bayonetting two Arabs, and
himself receiving a wound with a spear, rejoined the ranks with his mules, and subsequently did good service in remaining by his gun throughout the action.