Chattaway, Charles Alfred (Charlie)

Age: 35
Date of birth: 29/07/1882

Parents: William Clarke and Louisa Chattaway
Wife: Single
Address: East Kobtenay, Baynes Lake, British Columbia

Occupation: Fruit farmer / Rancher

Charlie was born on 29th July 1882, to parents William Clarke and Louisa (nee Webb) Chattaway.  He was baptised on the 6th September 1882 at Leamington Priors and William is described as a Wine Merchant.

In 1901, the family were living at 10 Coventry Road, Warwick and the children living at home were Alice (24), George (22) and Esther (16).  Charlie was not on the census, his whereabouts are unknown.  There was also an elder brother, Edward (27), who was living at the Hampden Club in London as a boarder and is described as a journalist.

It is not known when Charlie emigrated to British Columbia.

By 1911, William, Louisa and daughter Alice are living at 5 Rose Hill, Dorking, Surrey.  William has retired.  It was Charlie’s mother, Louisa who applied for his name to be included on Warwick War Memorial.  The family has a long history and association with the town and Charlie had attended Warwick School.

Probate of £60 was granted to Charlie’s brother Edward, who had also been receiving his army pay, perhaps to bank on Charlie’s behalf.

Military Service

Rank & Number: Private, 242
Regiment/Service: 1st Royal Canadian Dragoons
Brigade/Division:
Date of death: Saturday, March 30, 1918
Cause of death/Battle: Killed in action
Commemorated/Buried: Vimy Memorial, Pas de Calais
Awards: 1914-1915 Star and Clasp, Memorial Cross
Commemorated locally at: Warwick School

Charles Alfred Chattaway signed his Attestation papers on 24th September 1914, shortly after the outbreak of war.  At the time he was living in British Columbia, Canada and describes himself as a Rancher.  He was 32 years and one month old, 5′ 8″ tall with fair hair and blue eyes.  He confirmed that he was not married.

His unit sailed for France on 3rd October 1914 so he fought throughout the war until March 2018.  He was discharged to the General Hospital, Roeun on 30th March 1917 as “wounded slightly side back” – then rejoined his unit six weeks later on 17th May.

His papers say that he was entitled to the 1914-1915 Star and Clasp, a “plaque and scroll” and “memorial cross”.

This tribute to Charlie was sent to his parents by a fellow officer

Warwick Advertiser 13th April 1918

Contributors

  • Unlocking Warwick Research Group
  • Military details kindly provided by Paul Humphriss
  • Warwick Advertiser excerpts courtesy of Warwickshire County Record Office

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