Thiepval memorial
Pauline Priano has submitted the following:-
Lancelot Tone Charlton was born in Trimdon April 5th 1881, father James Charlton, Felling 1842 and mother Elizabeth Usher, Pittington about 1851. His parents were married December 2nd 1871 at Jubilee Chapel Primitive Church, Durham. Lancelot was their fourth son and one of six boys and four girls. In the census 1911 he is living with his sister, brother-in-law and their seven children at 7 Commercial Street, Ferry Hill Station. He was employed all his life in the coal mining industry as a hewer.
He enlisted voluntarily in the East Yorkshire Regiment “C” Coy 6th Battalion during 1915. On April 4th 1915 the unit moved to Witley and Frensham to complete their training. They sailed for Gallipoli from Avonmouth via Mudros July 1st 1915 landing at Lala Baba at Sulva Bay August 7th. December 19th/20th 1915 the Division was withdrawn from Gallipoli moving to Imbros and then to Egypt at the end of January 1916. They concentrated at Sidi Bishr and took over a section of the Suez canal defences on February 19th. On June 17th 1916 the Division was ordered to France to reinforce the 3rd Army on the Somme. They departed Alexandria and landed at Marseille July 10th 1916. By July 27th they were in the front line on the Somme. They took part in the capture of Wundt-Werk, the Battle of Flers-Courcelette and the Battle of Thiepval which began September 26th 1916. It was during this battle that Private 18148 Lancelot Tone Charlton died of wounds, age 35. He is commemorated at the Thiepval Memorial, Pas de Calais, France. Pier and face 3A & 3D.
His father received the sum of £8. 0s. 0d in back pay. He was awarded the British War Medal, the Victory Medal and the 1915 Star.
In God’s Loving Care. Rest In Peace.
Lancelot Tone Charlton is remembered at Chilton on C107.01, C107.04 and C107.12 and at Ferryhill Station F43.01
