Charles Allen Campbell

A Skipper with H.M. Trawler Silanion, Charles died on 25th of September 1916 at the age of 38. 

Charles was born at York on 26 January 1878, a son of The Revd. Thomas and Diana M. Campbell. He was baptised at Holy Trinity Church, Micklegate, York, on 31 January 1878. In 1881 his family lived at 9 South Parade, York. In 1891 Charles was a pupil at Mr. Townsend’s School, The Hall, Cross House, South Parade, Doncaster. By 1901 the family were living at The Rectory, Ridlington, Norfolk. In 1911 the family home was 290 London Road, and later at 365 London Road. 

In 1915 Charles’ address was 4 Aspley Crescent, Manningham, Bradford. By 1916 Charles was living at Moray Lodge, Cliff Road, South Lowestoft.

In 1899 Charles was awarded his certificate of competency as a Second Mate on a Foreign-Going Ship. 

On 23 April 1915 Charles joined the Royal Naval Volunteer Reserve, service number L.Z.1582, and would have served with the Royal Naval Division but was transferred to the Royal Naval Reserve on 8 May 1915. He was re-enrolled in the Royal Naval Reserve on 22 May 1915 to serve as a Second Hand, and he was promoted to Skipper on 13 March 1916.

Charles joined the trawler Lord de Ramsey on 1 October 1915 and, from 14 March 1916, was the Skipper of the trawler Silanion.  

Charles’ service record shows that he drowned on 25 September 1916 and has the following comment:

Disappeared on 25.9.1916 and it is considered he lost his life by accident, slipping overboard through a mischance which cannot be identified.  

Note: The Commonwealth War Graves website gives his vessels name as Silanier, which is incorrect.