Charles William Tomlinson
- Family History
- Military History
- Extra Information
- Photographs
Charles was born in Hayton near Retford in 1899 to William, a farmer, and Mary Tomlinson. The couple had married in 1893 and lost their first child, Mary, making Charles their eldest son. During the next decade they had three more children, George born 1902, Lucy 1905 and Bertram born 1907. In 1911, the family were still resident in Hayton and William was still supporting his family by working as a farmer. At this time, Charles William was only 11 years old and still at school, but a few years after war was declared, due to age, he was the only eligible family member to join the Forces.
Charles William Tomlinson enlisted at Retford in 1917 and served with the 1/5th battalion South Staffordshire Regiment , he was wounded in action on 27th September 1918 and died the following day as a result of these wounds, he is buried in the Brie British Cemetery, France.
Pte C W Tomlinson Retford Times 18th Oct 1918 On Sunday a very impressive memorial service was held for the late Pte C W Tomlinson, South Staffs Regt, son of Mr and Mrs W Tomlinson, South View Farm, Clarborough, who was wounded in France on Sept 27th and died at 8 30 on Sept 28th. The vicar who conducted the service, took for his text the words “Thy will be done.” Pte Tomlinson was a Hayton boy and attended the village school. He was groom to the late Mrs Park of Grove and afterwards to Mr Fergus Park of Welham. He learnt motor driving with Mr Charlie Clark at the Garage, Bridegate, Retford and when called up was employed by Mr W Aldridge of the Northern Inn as a taxi driver. He was eager to do his bit and joined the Forces twelve months ago when only 18 years of age. He was, as the vicar said, a honest, straightforward lad, always ready and willing to do anyone a good turn and much sympathy is felt for his parents in their bereavement.
