Edward Byas Sheppard was born on 25th June, 1866 in Walton-on-Thames in Surrey. He was the son of Samuel Gurney Sheppard, 35, a Stockbroker.
Edward married Phyllis D'Oyly Noble, 22, on 29th August, 1895 at St. Peter's Church, Eaton Square, Pimlico, London. He writes to Phyllis a number of times whilst on active service. He refers to her as P.D.O.S.
Edward, at the age of 44, served with the 1st/1st Hertfordshire Yeomanry, August 1914 - September, 1916 (D Squadron - Egypt; Second-in-command - Egypt; commanding 1st/1st Hertfordshire Yeomanry - Dardanelles - Dispatches; Western Desert; Egypt. He was made temporary Lieutenant Colonel 28th August 1915 - 4th October 1916.) He was awarded the 1914 - 1915 Star; British War Medal (1914 - 18) and Victory Medal. (Cf: A Biographical List of Officers of the Hertfordshire Yeomanry, 1794 - 1920 by Colonel J.D. Sainsbury, 2004, published by Hart Books Welwyn - ISBN 0-948527-07-2)
Edward died in January, 1921.
His two brothers also served in the forces. His older brother Samuel Gurney was commander of the Herts Militia in Gallipoli. Gurney was killed on 21st August as the troops marched across Anafarta Plain towards Scimitar Hill and W. Hill which they were tasked with capturing. The Regiment suffered 50 casualties.
The diary (HALS reference: D/EYO/2/121) is incomplete but still covers three phases of Sheppard's service in WW1. The entries from September, 1914 to February 1915 cover travelling to Egypt and service there. On 9th September 1915 Sheppard landed at Suvla Bay, Gallipoli. After the Gallipoli campaign he served in Mesopotamia.