Charles Sansom

A Skipper with H.M. Drifter Thistle, Charles died on 8th of May 1941 at the age of 57.

Charles was born at Lowestoft on 11 September 1883, a son of Charles and Harriet Sansom. He was baptised at Saint John's Church on 15 May 1885 and his family lived at West Raglan Street. In 1891 his family lived at 51 West Raglan Street, and by 1901 at 16 Stanford Street. 

On 18 October 1906 Charles married Emma Eliza Holland at Saint Margaret's Church, Lowestoft. Charles was working as a fisherman and lived at 16 Stanford Street. Emma was living at 250 Denmark Road. In 1911 they lived with Emma's family at 250 Denmark Road.

In 1907 Charles was awarded his certificate of competency as a Skipper. 

In 1939 Charles and Emma lived at 27 Corton Road, Lowestoft, and Charles worked as a fisherman.

During World War Two Charles served as a Skipper with the Royal Naval Patrol Service, number TS 511 (formerly WS 3394), with seniority from 13 February 1940. He took command of the Girl Pamela on 11 April 1940, and from 19 June 1940 the Young Mon. He served on the Lochinvar from 20 October 1940 and, from 4 December 1940, the Tilly Duff. From 15 February 1941 he was the Skipper of the Thistle. 

On 8 May 1941 the Thistle struck a mine in the North Sea. Eight crew, including Charles, were killed, and one survived. 

NOTE: It is thought that during World War One Charles served with the Royal Naval Reserve and became a Skipper in 1918 (number WFS 574) with command of the Chimaera from 3 May 1918. This is noted in the Royal Navy List but needs to be confirmed.