CHARLES DOUGLAS CHERRY 1891–1970

Born 10th September 1891 in Carrington, Nottingham

Married 28th April 1917 to Edith May Walker in Sunderland

Daughters Kathleen born 1918 and Marjory born 6 November 1919

Died 1970, age 79, in Newcastle upon Tyne District

1901 Census

Age 9 living with father James, a coachman, mother Elizabeth (née Alexander), his sister Lillian Gertrude 11 and brother Ralph Alexander 1 month on Loscoe Road, Carrington, Nottingham.

1911 Census

Age 20 living with father James William a groom, mother Elizabeth Ann, sisters Lilian G, Gladys 5 and brother Ralph A at 48 Loscoe Road, Carrington. In a separate 1911 Census record he is also recorded as a Private in the 2nd Battalion Sherwood Foresters stationed at Crownhill Barracks Plympton St Mary and Egg Buckland in Devon.

Military Service before 1914

Enlisted 19 January 1909 with Regimental Number 11060

Occupation: Grocers assistant

In 1911 he was a Private in the 2nd Battalion Sherwood Foresters stationed at Crownhill Barracks Plympton St Mary and Egg Buckland in Devon. He then served in the 1st Notts. and Derby Regiment, Reg. no.11060, reaching the rank of Corporal by 1914. He was later promoted to Warrant Officer Class 2. At the outbreak of war, the Battalion was stationed in India. The men sailed for France almost immediately, disembarking in the U.K. on route.

Military Service 1914-1918

Rank: Company Sergeant Major (by end of war)

Service Number: 4961535 (by end of war), previously 11060

Military Unit: 1st Battalion, The Sherwood Foresters, 24th Brigade, 8th Division. He also served with the 2/5th Sherwood Foresters.

Theatre of War: France and Flanders, date of entry 4.11.14.

4.11.14: Disembarkation date and served in France until 18.3.1915

4.12.14 – 10.12.14: Frostbite to feet

11.3.15: Wounded at the Battle of Neuve Chapelle and did not return until 17.6.1918

22.10.18: Wounded again

18.1.21: Discharged

Medals Awarded: 1914 Star, British War and Victory.

Military Personnel Address on 1918 Electoral Register

Main Road, Radcliffe on Trent

Other information

In a letter home dated May 1915, Bertie Todd wrote that he was at the Battle of Neuve Chapelle with Charles Cherry:

Well, Walter, tell Gladys to have these forget-me-nots from a little garden behind the trenches … give my best respect to all inquiring friends at Radcliffe. I knew Cherry was wounded he got hit in the same battle that I was in. I don’t know whether Ada has forgot me tell her I am looking for a letter from her. Give my love to all at home.

1921 Census

Address: 5 Rosanna Street, Sunderland

Employment: Labourer, Engineers and Shipbuilders, R and W Hawthorn, Leslie and Co.

Household: wife Edith and daughters Kathleen and Marjory

1939 Register

Address: 149 Holystone Crescent, Newcastle upon Tyne

Occupation: Theatre employee

Household: living with wife Edith born 1.5.1894 and daughter Marjory, grocery shop assistant.

Reasons for inclusion on the Radcliffe on Trent Roll of Honour

Radcliffe on Trent address when on active service.