Eric Henry Drummond Edgerton was born at Moonee Ponds, Victoria in 1897 to parents James and Florence. Prior to the First World War he spent seven years as a cadet. Edgerton was aged 18 and a student when he joined the 24th Infantry Battalion on 14 April 1915. On 25 June 1915, he departed Melbourne aboard HMAT Ceramic. Two of Edgerton's cousins also served in the First World War - Private Percival John Young and Second Lieutenant Harry Leslie Killingsworth.

Serving at Gallipoli, Edgerton was promoted to the rank of corporal in November 1915 and was hospitalised in December 1915. He returned to his unit in January 1916 and sent to the Western Front in France. Edgerton was awarded the Military Medal on 27 October 1916 and promoted to the rank of sergeant in November that year. 1917 brought the award of a Bar to his Military Medal on 11 May and promotions to the ranks of second lieutenant in March and lieutenant in September. In 1918, Edgerton further demonstrated his courage and was awarded the Distinguished Service Order on 16 September 1918 for "conspicuous gallantry and devotion to duty" in capturing several German machine gun positions.

Eric Edgerton was 21 years old when he was killed in action on 11 August 1918 in France. His death was mentioned in the despatches of Field Marshal Douglas Haig on 8 November 1918 and he is buried at Villers-Brettoneux Military Cemetery, France.