Edward Felix Baxter (1885-1916) was born at 335 Hagley Road, Old Swinford, Stourbridge, Worcestershire on the 18th of September 1885. His father was Charles Albert Baxter, a miller, maltster and corn merchant working in Stourbridge. His mother was Beatrice Anita (nee Sparrow). 

When Edward was six the family moved to a house called Ivy Crest in Hartlebury. They later moved to Mostyn, Shrubbery Street, Kidderminster.

He attended the Queen Elizabeth Grammar School at Hartlebury from1894 to the 31st of July 1901 (thus becoming an "Elizabethan").  In his early twenties he moved to Liverpool, where he lived at 5, Blantyre Road, Sefton Park - whilst in Liverpool he became a tutor at Skerry’s College in Rodney Street. He married Leonora Mary Cornish in 1906 and baby Leonora Francis arrived in 1908. Both Edward and his wife were keen motorcyclists and Edward competed in the Isle of Man TT Race in 1910.

Edward enlisted with the Royal Engineers on the 4th of September 1914 and was promoted to Sergeant as a dispatch rider on the Headquarters Staff of the Mersey Defence Corps at Rodney Street, Liverpool the same day.

He was commissioned into the 3/8th King’s Regiment on the 17th of September 1915 and went to France to join the 1/8th King’s in January 1916. He was appointed the Bombing Officer.

On the 18th of April 1916, near Blairville, France, Edward was killed whilst storming an enemy stronghold. His gallantry was recognized by his Commanding Officer who nominated him for the Victoria Cross.

An extract from The London Gazette, dated the 26th of September, 1916, records the following:

"His Majesty King George V has been graciously pleased to award the Victoria Cross to the undermentioned Officer; Lt. Edward Felix Baxter, late The King’s (Liverpool Regiment) for most conspicuous bravery."

"Prior to a raid on the hostile line he was engaged during two nights in cutting wire close to the enemy's trenches. The enemy could be heard on the other side of the parapet. Second Lieutenant Baxter, while assisting in the wire cutting, held a bomb in his hand with the pin withdrawn ready to throw. On one occasion the bomb slipped and fell to the ground, but he instantly picked it up, unscrewed the base plug, and took out the detonator, which he smothered in the ground, thereby preventing the alarm being given, and undoubtedly saving many casualties."

"Later, he led the left storming party with the greatest gallantry, and was the first man into the trench, shooting the sentry with his revolver. He then assisted to bomb dugouts, and finally climbed out of the trench and assisted the last man over the parapet. After this he was not seen again, though search parties went out at once to look for him. There seems no doubt that he lost his life in his great devotion to duty."

"Old Elizabethan" Lieutenant Edward Felix Baxter was buried by the Germans in the churchyard of Boiry St. Rictrude and St. Martin.

His death was not confirmed until the 15th of May. His remains were moved to Fillevres British Cemetery, near Hesdin, France, in 1925. The Germans preserved his personal effects (cigarette case, silver match box, two knives and two francs), which were returned to his wife through the War Office in August 1920. 

Shortly following the Armistice, Lieutenant Baxter's wife Leonora, travelled to France to pay her respects both at Edward's grave and also the spot where he fell so valiantly.

After the war, Leonora moved back to Kidderminster to be near her family and lived at 3 Roden Avenue with her daughter.

There is now a Felix Baxter Drive in Kidderminster and a personalized memorial stone in Mary Stevens Park, Stourbridge.