Charles William West

A Ships Corporal 1st Class with H.M.S. Formidable, Charles died on 1st of January 1915 at the age of 38. 

Charles was born at Carlton Colville on 15 January 1876, a son of William and Maria West of Bridge Road Oulton Broad. In 1881 his family lived at Beccles Road, Carlton Colville. By 1901 they were living at Main Road, Carlton Colville. Later his mother lived at Bridge Road, Oulton Broad. 

Charles joined the Royal Navy, as a Boy 2nd Class, on 17 February 1891. He was awarded the Royal Navy Long Service and Good Conduct Medal in 1911. 

On 17 October 1911 Charles married Ellen Sparkes at All Saints' Church, Pakefield. The marriage register states that Charles was in the 'Naval Police' and had a home at Carlton Colville and that Ellen was from Pakefield. Note: Charles was a Ship's Corporal, hence responsible for discipline on board ship. 

By 1915 their home was at 46 Sidney Road, Gillingham, Kent. 

On 1 January 1915 the Formidable was struck by a torpedo fired by German submarine U-24 when about 37 miles off the Devon coast. The Captain attempted to bring the ship closer to shore but a second torpedo, from U-24, hit the ship. Around 550, including Charles, were killed.

See: HMS Formidable (burtonbradstock.org.uk)

A marginal note next to Charles' entry in the baptism register at Saint Peter's Church, Carlton Colville, reads "Died for England in the Great War."