Ernest Walter Charter
- Family History
- Military History
- Extra Information
- Photographs
He was the son of James and Ann Charter Born First Quarter 1891 West Green, Hartley Wintney, Hampshire On 1891 Census he is living with his parents and siblings - Sidney J., William, Edward and Henry – at West Green, Hartley Wintney. His father is listed as a farm labourer His sister Nellie was born 1893 In 1900, his father James died aged 41 On 1901 Census he is living with his brother Henry at Basingstoke Union Workhouse, Basingstoke Towards the end of 1901, his mother Ann married Charles Bennett at Basingstoke and had a child named Charles Bennett the following year On 1911 Census he is living with his step father, mother, sister Agnes and half-brother Charles at Holt, Hook, near Winchfield, Hampshire. His stepfather and Ernest are both listed as farm labourers. On 1911 Census his brother, Henry, was working at Frithwood Farm, Elmton, Chesterfield on the Welbeck Estate as a second horseman and its possible Ernest moved north and joined his brother, who was later resident at Cuckney. Probably worked on the Welbeck Estate like his brother as he is remembered on the Welbeck Estate Memorial.
Enlisted February 1914 at Worksop, probably in C Squadron which was based in Worksop April 1915 - sailed from Avonmouth for service in Egypt Entered Theatre 27th April 1915 Landed Suvla Bay during night (17th/18th August 1915). Moved to Lala Baba (20th August 1915) Forward position at Chocolate Hill (21st August 1915). Took part in fighting for Scimitar Hill (21st August 1915) Killed by shrapnel whilst in the third line trenches at Azmac Dere 10th September 1915 Originally buried Azmac Dere. Remains moved to Green Hill 20th July 1920 Buried Green Hill Cemetery, Suvla Bay, Gallipoli Plot I Row E Grave 22
His brother Henry (Shown as Chanter on CWGC and SDGW) served as 12571 Private 9th Battalion Nottinghamshire & Derbyshire Regiment and died of wounds 1st September 1915 in Malta. He is buried in Pieta Cemetery, Malta Plot B Row VII Grave 5 His brother Sidney served as 6785 Private 1st Battalion Hampshire Regiment and went to France 24th August 1914. He was discharged as time served in 1916 having served thirteen years with the Hampshire Regiment. He then re-enlisted as 9452 Bombardier, Royal Garrison Artillery. He was later renumbered 284452.
