Charles Walter Mole was born in Harrold, Beds in 1889, the eldest son of Walter and Sarah Mole. His father was a painter/plumber and the family moved to 34, Station Road, Rushden, Northants. Charles had at least three sisters Florence, Gladys and Doris.

By 1901 the family business was flourishing as the census stated that the household had two lodgers whose occupations were a painter and a bricklayer. By 1917 their address had changed to 71 Midland Road, Rushden. Presumably Charles had gone into the family business as the advertisements in the "Rushden Echo" were of W. Mole & Son.

Charles Walter Mole married Edith E Slater in the summer of 1914. The couple had a child and they went to live in Irchester, Northants, possibly with Edith's parents.

Charles had been called up immediately on the outbreak of war and was in The Northants Yeomanry. The newspaper report said that Charles was promoted from Lance Corp. to Sgt. Major upon becoming attached to the Dragoons and that he then returned to his own unit. However the War Graves and Rushden War Memorial just mention him as a Corporal number 145021 1^st Northamptonshire Yeomanry as does the medal record.

Charles had been in France for three months and was seriously wounded and later died from gun shot wounds in the face, head and left arm on 11 May 1917 aged 28 years. He was awarded the Victory and British medals. Charles was buried at the Etaples Military Cemetery, France. Reference XVIII. M.3.

Charles was first cousin to Reginald Thomas Mole who is also on the Rushden War Memorial.

The Rushden Echo Friday 13 August 1915, transcribed by Donna Hunt, 2008

Promotion of Rushden Soldier

Sergt. C. W. Mole, eldest son of Mr W. Mole, decorator of 71 Midland road, Rushden, has been promoted to the rank of Squadron-Sergt. Major of the 3/1st Northants Yeomanry, now stationed at Towcester. Sergt. Mole was instructor to the 2/1st regiment from its formation until the formation of the 3/1st regiment and then transferred to the 3/1st as instructor and has now been given the rank of SSM.

The Rushden Echo Friday 18 May 1917, transcribed by Donna Hunt, 2008

Rushden "Yeoman" Killed - Sergt-Major Charles Mole Speedy Promotion

Official news has been received by Mrs Charles Mole, who is residing with her parents, Mr and Mrs H Slater, Irchester, that her husband, Sergt-Major Charles Mole, Northants Yeomanry, has been wounded, receiving his injuries on May 1st.

He is the eldest son of Mr and Mrs W Mole, of 71 Midland road, Rushden. Very little information regarding Sergt-Major Mole's injuries has yet come to light, but a Rushden comrade who has written home says that Sergt-Major Mole became suddenly deaf whilst discharging his duties in the field and as he was moving back to the rear he was wounded. The wounded soldier was called up with the Northants Yeomanry immediately on the outbreak of war, and has been in France about three months. When called up he held the rank of Lance-Corpl., but he speedily obtained promotion, being appointed Sergt-Major on becoming attached to the Dragoons. He has now returned to his own unit.  We understand that Sergt-Major Mole at the time that he received his wounds, was expecting to return to England, with a view of obtaining a commission later.

It is with regret that we report the fact that Mr and Mrs Mole yesterday received a wire from their son's wife to say that he died of wounds on May 11th.

On Wednesday they had received a letter to say that Sergt-Major Mole was wounded on May 1st, and was seriously ill and in hospital in France, suffering from gunshot wounds to the face, head and left arm. The late Sergt-Major Mole leaves a widow and one child to whom much sympathy will be extended, as also to his parents.

The Rushden Echo Friday 25 May 1917, transcribed by Donna Hunt, 2008

Thanks - Mr and Mrs Mole, 71 Midland-road, Rushden and the widow of the late Sergt Major Charles Mole, of the Northants Yeomanry, desire to express their sincere thanks for the many expressions of sympathy they have received in their great bereavement.