Edward was the third son of Harold Dawson Critchley and Amy Corinne (nee Fordham) Critchley, born in Eastbourne, East Sussex on 18 June 1897. He was the grandson of Edward King Fordham of Redlands Grange, Ashwell, Hertfordshire.
Bernard was born at Ashwell, Hertfordshire on 18 May 1896, the only son of John and Rosina (nee Bryant) Hankin. He was a pupil at the Merchant Taylors School in Ashwell.
Frank was born in Ashwell on 24 June 1877, 7th son of Joseph and Emily (nee Austin) Haylock. He was a pupil at the Merchant Taylors School in Ashwell.
Lewis was born on 2 December 1883 in Ashwell, Hertfordshire, the second son of John and Emily (nee Huffer) Huffer. He was a pupil at the Merchant Taylor School in Ashwell.
Ernest was born on 20 April 1890 at Ashwell, Hertfordshire the third son of John and Caroline (nee Waldock) Picking. He was a pupil at the Merchant Taylors School in Ashwell.