Charles Henry Raper

Corporal 15054. 9th Battalion. Duke of Wellington's Regiment.

Born at Scammonden.

Son of John Henry and Elizabeth Raper.

Brother of Nellie, Walter, Norman and Percy.

Address: Hullet Hall, Scammonden.

Occupation: Woollen finisher at Sykes & Sons, Gosport Mills, Outlane.

Enlisted: December 1914.

Died of wounds at No.2 Stationary Hospital: 15th November 1917. Aged 21.

Buried: Abbeville Communal Cemetery Extension. Plot 3 Row E. Grave 6.

His parents received the following letter from a comrade of their son:- 'I am writing the following on behalf of the 10th Platoon and myself. The death of your son Charles is a very big loss to us as he was loved by everyone in the Battalion, Officers, NCO's and men. Many are the times we have been together under severe shellfire but he was ever cool with the same pleasant smile on his face which put spirit into all around him. We were returning from the trenches when a shell burst not far from the platoon and poor Charles was the unfortunate one to be hit. He was wounded in the legs and was well looked after by the boys who saw him down to the dressing station where they left him in the very best of spirits. It was a dreadful shock to us when we received the news of his death but there is still the consolation that we shall meet in a better land where wars are no more.'

Charles' name appears on the Roll of Honour in Clough Head School, Clough Head Methodist Church, Pole Moor Baptist Church and St. James Church, Slaithwaite.