Edward Thomas Galway was born in Toronto and received a Bachelor of Science degree qualifying as a mining engineer at the University of Toronto. He enlisted in the Royal Canadian Engineers on 28 April 1941 and served with distinction in Great Britain and Northwest Europe.
Lt Galway was awarded the George Medal for bravery that took place while his company was engaged in a salvage operation on a dock in southern England. He served in the 3rd Field Company and took part in Operation HUSKY, the invasion of Sicily. During the Battle of Agira, he led a reconnaissance into Agira, arriving in the centre of the town hours before the infantry. He was able to withdraw and in an ensuing firefight, his party loss one man killed but in return killed five German soldiers.
On 2 October 1944, the 2nd Canadian Division started to push forward north of Antwerp and the Antwerp-Turnhout Canal. Near the Hamlet of Locktenburg, the 11th Field Company started a Class 40 bridge across the canal. The area was heavily mined and three men were killed and their platoon officer, Lieutenant A. Hanson, was seriously wounded. Meanwhile, Lt Galway's platoon successfully built another bridge nearby under similar circumstances. The completion of both bridges across the canal
After the war, Lt Galway continued to serve in the RCE. On 6 June 1953, as a result of having maintained an excellent level of efficiency leading 23rd Field Squadron in Korea, particularly for the work done on the defences at The Hook, Major E.T. Galway, MC, GM, was made a Member of the British Empire.
“Major Galway has commanded 23rd Canadian Field Squadron during its tour of duty in Korea. This officer's sound planning and competent direction have contributed greatly to the high standard which has always characterized the work of his squadron. Working in all kinds of weather conditions, and frequently under enemy fire, he has never spared himself in his efforts to ensure by personal reconnaissance and supervision that everything possible was done that could be done to assist the squadron in its task and achieve efficiency. This officer has displayed competence, energy and devotion to duty of a high order. The excellent standard of efficiency maintained by the squadron during operations in Korea is a measure of his ability.”
On the 2nd October 1944, Lieutenant Galway's platoon was detailed to construct a bridge over the Antwerp and Turnhout Canal. The infantry had forced a crossing earlier in the day and had established a shallow bridgehead. The only possible bridging site in the immediate area was under heavy shell and mortar fire, but in spite of this Lieutenant Galway went forward at noon and made a detailed reconnaissance of the selected site. He remained at the site for four hours under heavy fire until he felt the operation could proceed with reasonable chances of success.
Bringing a few men forward at a time he personally organized and supervised the preliminary work required before bridging could commence. At 1900 hours this had been completed and he brought the remainder of his platoon forward. The work was so well organized and expertly carried out under this officer's direct supervision that the 80-foot bridge was opened for traffic by 2130 hours, just two and a half hours after bridging had commenced.
The outstanding courage of this officer and his inspiring leadership of the platoon while under constant fire was largely responsible for the success of the whole operation as the supporting arms were able to cross the canal and be in operation to support the hard-press infantry before first light. As a direct result, a successful Brigade attack was mounted early the following morning.