Charles Dalby

Regimental Quartermaster Sergeant. 107736. 51 (Graduated) Regiment. Queen Alexandra's Own West Yorkshire Regiment.

Formerley Yorks & Lancs Regt.

Born 1870 in Hayes, Middlesex.

Son of George and Phoebe.

Brother of Maryann, Eliza, Frank, Emma and Willie.

Husband of Charlotte, who was born in Pontefract.

Father of Charles 29.9.1895, Phoebe 1896, Lily 20.3.1897, George 13.3.1899, Herbert 15.3.1904, Phylis 3.2.1911, and Harry 6.9.1913.

Address: 18 Lindley Street, Longwood.

Occupation: Time Keeper at Hirst & Mallinson, Longwood.

Died: 20th June 1918. Aged 48.

Re-enlisted in August 1914.

Buried at St. John's Church Graveyard, Golcar. A. north-west, 92.

Charles had seen 23 years service in the army and went through the South Africa War, for which he received the Queen's Medal with 6 clasps. He re-enlisted in August 1914, and had served at Gallipoli. He was promoted to Regimental Quartermaster Sergeant on 19th February 1915.

Charlotte may have spent long periods bringing up the children on her own when he was serving abroad. The South Africa War was from 1899 to 1902, and Charles was certainly away serving in 1901. He may have been No. 4955. in the 1st Battalion Rifle Brigade. He was also away from home in 1911.

Although born in Middlesex, Charles was living at 53 Moorside, Bradford with his parents and siblings by 1881 when he was aged 11.

He was began his married living in Pontefract at 2 Cleaves Row. The family appear to have moved to Huddersfield between 1911 and 1913.

Charles was at Thoresby Camp in Worksop where according to his medical report he had been complaining of chest pains for some weeks. On Sunday, the day of his death, he had been doing his normal work but went to his tent complaining of chest pains. He was found

collapsed on his bed and immediately treated by the medical team. He improved slightly after medication, but died at 10.35am from Angina Prectoris Syncope.

He was buried in Golcar Churchyard with full military honours. His name appears on their Roll of Honour.

He was a Primo in the Order of Buffaloes. His wife received an army pension of 34s. 7d. for herself and her three youngest children, which was effective from 23rd December 1918. His daughter Lily Ewing of 16 Lindley St. Longwood (wife of Thomas) was 21 years old at the time, and was the executor of his will.

Charlotte died the following year on the 8th August 1919 aged 44. Their youngest child, Harry, was only five years old. Lily was called upon again to be executor along with Mrs Sarah Helen Marshall. Probate was in London on 11th October 1919.