Edward was the second son of George and Ann Horsler of Great Bramingham who had seven sons serving on the Western Front. Three brothers, including Edward, were killed and two were wounded.

Edward was married with five children and when he was drafted to France two of his brothers who were with him at the Ampthill training camp offered unsuccessfully to take his place. He was killed in action on the Somme in September 1916 and is buried in Guillemont Road Cemetery in France. He is named on the Sundon Village War Memorial.

Prior to enlistment Edward was horsekeeper to Mr Farr, of Streatley. His father was employed by Mr Cooke, of Great Bramingham, and his brothers were also farm hands.