The following has been submitted by Brenda McMahon:-
William was born to his parents on 2 September 1893 probably at Sheriff Hill Gateshead. He was a coal miner by trade. His wife was named Annie.
He enlisted into RNVR 29 December 1914 then was drafted to Mediterranean Expeditionary Force on 5 October 1915. On 21 October 1915 he was posted to the Nelson Battalion.
The following notes have been reported by a fellow sailor Clyde Z2990 A B J. Muir :-“During the Battle of Arras and Gavrelle 23rd April 1917 Charlton was with my gun team... when he got the contents of a shell along with a few more comrades. The remains of the deceased body was gathered up and buried at Bridage Cemetery. I was present at the funeral.”
He was officially recorded as killed aged 23 years as a direct result of enemy action and was discharged dead.
His wife Annie was living at 3 Whitefield Road Sheriff Hiil at the time of his death whilst his mother was at 15 Springfield Place Sheriff Hill, Gateshead.
Medals :- British War Medal and Victory Medal
William Charlton is remembered at Gateshead Fell on G39.064 and at Gateshead on G39.004
