Photo: Geordie at War Project

Gunner Harry Charlton

Brenda McMahon has submitted the following:

Henry (aka Harry) was born to Robert and Margaret (nee Clegram Laidlaw) at Felling in 1892. The couple had 8 children, the last being a son, James, who was born in 1899. Coincidentally Margaret died in 1899 perhaps because of complications following the birth. She was 40 years old.

By 1900 Harry’s father, Robert had remarried. His second wife was Clara Steel who gave Robert a further 4 children.

Robert was a butcher by trade. He had his own business at 11 High Street, Felling. Harry’s trade was also a butcher so he worked alongside his father in the family shop.

Harry married Elizabeth Moffatt early in 1915. They lived at 1A Alfred Street, Gateshead. The couple later had a son, John.

Harry died in Newcastle of sickness on 28 November 1918 just 2 weeks after the Armistice was signed aged 26 years.

His wife had the following inscription added to his headstone ‘My refuge is in God’.

Harry Charlton has not been found on any Gateshead memorial.

The CWGC entry for Gunner Charlton