Edward was born on 20 November 1920 in Johannesburg, South Africa to Abel and Dora nee Horowitz. Abel was born in Australia before moving to Johannesburg. He worked as a drapery trader travelling back and forth between South Africa and England with the family finally settling in London. Edward qualified to fly an autogiro in July 1939 and three months later enlisted into the RAF.

Edward was the pilot of Beaufort L9933 which departed RAF Chivenor. Edward was killed when his aircraft crashed when overshooting the runway behind the church at Heanton Punchardon, 2 miles of northeast of Chivenor.