De Faye’s Chemists, St Helier: Home of a Jersey Tank Commander
De Faye; the chemist and tank commander
De Faye's is a well-known chemist in Jersey, which has kept the name of the family that started it more than 130 years ago.
Edward de Faye was the son of its founder; FG de Faye. Edward was born in the family home above the shop, and helped out there as he grew up – especially in the bottling plant in the back, where de Fayes renowned mineral water and Eau de Cologne was produced.
He joined the medical company of the Jersey Militia, and then joined the army in 1915.
By 1917, he was a second lieutenant – commanding a tank, in the battle of Cambrai. It was the world's first major tank battle.
Edward was involved from the start, and helped push the British attack through the German lines.
But as his tank came out of a wood, German gunners hit it with a shell, which went straight through the armour and Edward and one of his crew were killed.
It's not clear where his body is. A cross with his name on it was removed from the battlefield and is in Grouville church.
Pictures of him and his brothers and descendants are still displayed in the chemist shop in David Place.
His great nephew Guy de Faye says Edward's death had a major impact on the family: he said the only time he saw his grandfather cry was when Edward came up in conversation.
Location: De Faye’s Chemists, 21 David Place JE24TD
Image: The chemist shop front as it stands today
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