Rushden Research Group: Charles F R 1916

Information and photograph from Clive Wood, 2008

Private Frank Reginald Charles

14994 2nd Battalion Northamptonshire Regiment

Son of Mr William & Mrs Ada Charles

Aged 22 years

Died 2nd August 1916

Commemorated Bethune Town Cemetery
Grave V. G.83
And in Rushden Cemetery
Grave DA.113

Born Rushden, enlisted at Northampton, sometime of Yelden.

Private Frank Reginald Charles

Rushden Echo, August 11 1916, transcribed by Clive Wood

Rushden Man killed

Private Frank Reginald Charles (14994), of the Northants Regiment, has succumbed to dangerous wounds gallantly received in action. The greatest sympathy will be felt for the parents, as the dead hero had such strong faith in his luck to come back that he had imbued them with the same high hopes. Mrs William Charles, of 19, Co-operative Row, Rushden, received official intimation that her son was dangerously wounded, and three days later received a telegram that he had died on August 2nd. He was 22 years of age, and had been in the army for two years - he went out to France in the last week of April, 1915, and went into action on May 9th at Aubers Ridge. He had seen most of the big events since, and always wrote home in cheerful strain, saying he was through the battle and safe, and his people were not to worry, as he was certain to get through. Before joining up he was employed at the Coxton Factory. His many friends in Rushden will deeply mourn their loss with the sorrowing parents.

The Rushden Echo, 18th August 1916, transcribed by Gill Hollis

Rushden Man’s Death - The Late Pte F. R. Charles
Hit By A Bullet - While on Sentry Duty - “Died At His Post”

Mrs. W. Charles, of 19 Co-operative-row, Rushden, has received the following letter regarding the death of her son, Pte F. R. Charles, 14994, ----- Northants Regiment.

“You have no doubt by now received the news of the death of your son, and, as his Company Commander, I am writing to inform you of the circumstances of his death. He was taking his turn as a sentry in the front line trenches when he was hit by a bullet along the side of the head and fell into the trench. He was picked up, unconscious, and immediately taken to the nearest dressing station, where he had the attention of a medical officer. About 20 minutes after he was hit he regained consciousness, but was unable to speak, but happily did not appear to be suffering. He was then sent to hospital, where he has since died. You may rest assured that every possible assistance was readily rendered to save his life and that he will have a grave, the position of which you will be able to ascertain from the Graves Registration Committee. I can assure you of the fullest sympathy of us all in the loss of your son, who undoubtedly died at his post of duty. I am, madam, yours faithfully, Capt. H. W. Trefusis, Cmdg. C Co., ------ Northants.

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