[2] Edgar Laird was born in Northumberland on 16 November 1915,[3] and educated at Rossall School from 1924 to 1934 and Emmanuel College from 1935 to 1938.

[5] On 9 December 1963, Laird succeeded Angus McKay Mackintosh as the British High Commissioner to Brunei.

[6][7] Prior to Prince Hassanal Bolkiah's departure to the United Kingdom for further studies, him and other dignitaries were present to give their best wishes to him at Berakas Airport on 9 July 1964.

[8] In conjunction to the Queen's birthday on 13 June, he presented Inspector Metali bin Osman with the Colonial Police Medal in Brunei Town.

[12] Edgar Laird was given the honorary title of Yang Terutama (His Excellency) by Sultan Omar Ali Saifuddien III.