Charles Wells
- Family History
- Military History
- Extra Information
- Photographs
Charles Wells was born in 1892 at Arnold, he was the son of Joseph a coal miner hewer and Eliza Wells née Davis of Duke Street, Arnold, His father Joseph was born in 1867 at Arnold, his mother Eliza Davis was born in 1869 at Hucknall they were married in 1889 their marriage was recorded in the Basford registration district, they went on to have the following children, Jame Phillip b1890, Charles b1892, Frederick b1894, Arthur Samuel b1898, they adopted a daughter Millicent Suben b1905 all were born in Arnold. In the 1911 census the family lived at Duke Street, Arnold and were shown as Joseph 44 yrs a coal miner hewer, he is living with his wife Eliza 42 yrs and their children, James Phillip 21 yrs a coal miner hewer, Charles 19 yrs a hosiery hand, Frederick 17 yrs a coal miner hewer, Arthur Samuel 13 yrs a scholar and Millicent Suben 6 yrs an adopted daughter.
Private Charles Wells on the 31st April 1914 attested at Nottingham into the Sherwood Foresters (13906). However, on 29th November 1914 he was discharged as 'not likely to become an efficient soldier'. He stood 5 feet 5 inches tall, weighed 119 lbs and had a chest measurement of 35 1/2 inches, fresh complexion, blue eyes and fair hair. He later re-enlisted (possibly was conscripted) into the 17th Battalion Sherwood Foresters (Welbeck Rangers). In April 1916, the battalion was based in the area of Bethune, in France, but Charles had been seconded (attached) to 161st Tunnelling Company of the Royal Engineers. During tunnelling operations, there was an accident in which he was killed on 16th April 1916 , he is buried at Maroeuil British Cemetery, France.
In memoriam published in the Nottingham Evening Post dated 16th April 1918 :- “WELLS. – In loving memory of our dear son and brother, Pte. Charles Wells, Arnold, killed in action April 16th, 1916. – Fondly remembered by sorrowing mother, father, brothers, sisters, brothers Jack and Arthur in France.” Above is courtesy of Jim Grundy and his facebook pages Small Town Great War Hucknall 1914-1918.
