Sometime between then and the outbreak of WW1, Charles moved to St Helens as his service papers show that he joined the West Lancashire RE on the 25 May 1915, giving his address as 235 Boundary Road. He was employed as a pavier and his suitability for the RE was tested by a Robert Heaton of 46 Dentons Green Lane on the same day and was graded as "Very Good".
Having passed the practical and physical tests and undergone his military taining, Charles proceeded to France on the 21.3.1916 being gassed near Ieper (Ypres) on 13.7.1917 which resulted in him being sent home to recover. He did recover and was fit enough to return to the front on 13 July 1918 serving the remainder of the war with 549 Field Company RE. Charles continued to serve in France until 24th February 1919 when he returned home.
Sadly, Charles did not enjoy the peace for very long as he died in Prestwich Asylum, Manchester on 15 November 1919 from pneumonia, no doubt brought on by his exposure to gas in 1917. At the time of his death, his home address is recorded as being 15 Coronation Street, Sunderland.
Now for the mystery!
His papers indicate that he was buried at "St Helens Windle" however, I can't find him on the St Helens Cemetery site nor on the CWGC site. There is a reference to the grave given on the papers "IWGC FV/6/11546/18" The IWGC became the CWGC.
HELP please!!
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