Charles William Branford
- Family History
- Military History
- Extra Information
- Photographs
Charles William Branford was born in 1897 the son of Walter a general dealer and Ellen Branford née Radford of Town Street, Edwinstowe. alter was born in 1871 at Edwinstow, Ellen Radford was also born in 1871 at Cresswell, Derbyshire, they were married in 1892 their marriage was recorded in the Worksop registration district, they went on to have the following children, Horace b1894, Charles b1897, Frederick b1899, Mable b1905, Albert b1907 and Ivy Branford b1909 all were born in Edwinstowe. In 1911 the family lived on Town Street Edwinstowe and were shown as Waltera general dealer, he is living with his wife Ellen and their children, Horace 17 yrs a farm labourer, Charles 14 yrs a groom, Frederick 12 yrs a scholar, Mable 6 yrs a scholar, Albert 4 yrs and Ivy 2 yrs of age.
Private Charles Branford enlisted on 12 January 1915 at Newark he was 19 years 264 days of age and a Baker his address was High Street, Edwinstowe, he was posted to the Army Service corps with the service number 32395. He was listed as 'home'(UK) from 12/1/15 until 24/2/15. On 25 February 1915 he was posted to the BEF in France and 44th Field Bakery. He actually embarked on the SS Matheran at Southampton on 27 February, disembarking the next day at Havre France. On 4 March he was attached to 44th Field Bakery. Posted to No12 Field Bakery on 19 June 1916 during a reorganisation of bakeries. On 23 January 1917 he was awarded his first Good Conduct badge. On 15 October 1917 he was given a compulsory transfer to the Sherwood Foresters but kept his ASC rate of pay. Reported missing on 27 March 1918 and officially accepted as being a POW on 19 October 1918. He died at Hautmont on 27 October 1918 and was buried in the Communal cemetery - Hautmont Communal Cemetery, Nord, France, 4.D.12. The German Spring offensive began on 21st March 1918 and the 1st Battalion came under heavy pressure to fight off these assaults. On 27th March, the battalion was in support of the front line forward of Vrely when the enemy attacked. The battalion hurried forward to help in a counter attack, which proved successful. During this action Charles was taken prisoner. John Morse
Unknown
No Photos