Charles Oswald Tuddenham

A Private with 9th Bn., Charles died on 9th of April 1917 at the age of 22. 

Charles was born at Lowestoft in 1895, a son of Minnie Florence Pearce. In 1901 his family lived at 210 Raglan Street, Lowestoft. In 1902 his mother married Walter Edgar Tuddenham and his family lived at 6 Oxford Road, Lowestoft.

Charles volunteered and enlisted in the Army at Norwich. He gave his first name as Oswald, hence all military records list him with Oswald as his first name. He joined the Royal Fusiliers, service number PS/7094, and served with the 21st Battalion and arrived in France with that battalion on 14 November 1915.

The 21st Battalion Royal Fusiliers was one of four 'Public Schools' battalions of the Royal Fusiliers and was also known as the 2nd Sportsman's Battalion. The Battalion was intended for upper and middle class men who were known for their sporting interests. 

On 20 March 1916 Charles returned to England (reason unknown). He was posted to the 1st Battalion, service number G/49334, and served in France from 29 November 1916. On 28 December 1916 he was posted to the 9th Battalion.

On 9 April 1917 the 9th Battalion were involved in an attack from south of Arras to north of Vimy Ridge. Their objectives were a line from points through Houdain Lane to Habarq Trench; Habarq Trench, and Hulst Trench. All objectives were taken and 220 prisoners and 2 machine-guns. Casualties were one officer killed and three wounded and 117 other ranks. 

Charles was killed in action on 9 April. He received a battlefield burial at map reference H.25.C.43 and in 1919 was exhumed and reburied at Feuchy Chapel.

Miss Katherine M. Stewart, of 82 Leamington Terrace, Edinburgh, contacted the Red Cross to enquire about Charles.