Charles Robert Childs

An Able Seaman with H.M.S. Hawke. Charles died on 15th of October 1914 at the age of 37.

Charles was born at Newhaven, Sussex, on 16 April 1878, a son of Charles Robert and Mary Childs. In 1881 his family lived on the Coastguard Watch Vessel at Newhaven. By 1891 they were living at 3 King Street, Winterton, Norfolk. In 1901 the family home was at 54 Tennyson Road, Lowestoft, and, after 1911, they moved to 54 Saint Margaret's Road, Lowestoft.

Charles was working as a labourer when he joined the Royal Navy, as Boy 2nd Class, on 15 October 1894. He served until 8 May 1908. On 9 May 1908 he joined the Royal Fleet Reserve (RFR/CH/B/5085). However, he re-entered the Royal Navy on 25 March 1909. In 1912 he was awarded the Royal Navy Long Service and Good Conduct Medal.

Charles was drafted to H.M.S. Hawke on 4 February 1913. From August 1914 the Hawke was involved in blockade duties between the Shetland Isles and Norway. In October 1914 the Hawke's squadron was deployed further south to protect a troop convoy coming from Canada. On 15 October 1914 the Hawke was sunk by a single torpedo fired by the German submarine U-9. Charles was one of 524 men who died.