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Private Charlie Brewer

Charlie Brewer © Dorking Advertiser findmypast.co.uk

Thank you to the Friends of St. Margaret for allowing us to reproduce their research and thank you to Lenka Cathersides for further research.

Charlie Brewer was born on 24th October 1890 in Itchingfield, Sussex to labourer Harfield and Fanny (nee May).

Charlie’s father Harfield was born in the 3rd quarter of 1853 in Capel, Surrey to agricultural labourer John, born about 1824 in Capel and Sarah, born about 1828 in Wotton, Surrey. His mother Fanny was born on the 8th of January 1853 to agricultural labourer Michael, born about 1815 and Jane, born about 1817, all in Abinger, Surrey. Fanny was baptised on the 3rd of April 1853 at St James’, Abinger. Harfield married Fanny, on the 8th of July 1873 at St Paul’s Dorking. At the time of the marriage Harfield was working as a labourer. The couple lived in Dorking.

Charlie had eight known siblings: Ellen Jane born about 1875 in Dorking; Sarah Jane born about 1878 and Alice E born about 1881, both in Abinger; Frederick J. born about 1884; Ernest H. born about 1886 and Arthur E. born about 1889, all in Ockley; George Harold born about 1894 and Wilfred Henry born about 1897, both in Itchingfield, Sussex.

At the time of the 1881 Census, the family lived at Stilehurst Cottage, Ockley. Harfield was working as a cowman and Fanny was looking after their daughters: Ellen, Sarah and Alice.

At the time of the 1891 Census, the family lived at Toat Hill, Itchingfield. Harfield was working as an agricultural labourer and Fanny was at home looking after their children: Sarah, Alice, Frederick, Ernest, Arthur and Charlie.

Charlie Brewer 1895 Register Itchingfield County Primary School © findmypast.co.uk

Charlie was admitted to Itchingfield County Primary School on the 8th of July 1895. Later, he was educated at Oxley Parochial School

At the time of the 1901 Census, the family lived at Bear Brickyard, Ockley. Harfield was working as a stockman on a farm and Fanny was at home. The household further comprised of their children: stockman Frederick, carter Arthur, Charlie, George and Wilfred.

At the time of the 1911 Census, the family lived at Park Cottage, Beare Green. Harfield was working as a stockman and Fanny was at home. The household further comprised of their children: carter Charlie, servant George Harold and carter lad Wilfred. Fanny stated that she had given birth to thirteen children of whom nine were still alive.

Charlie Brewer enlisted into the Queen’s Royal West Surrey Regiment in January 1915 in Guildford. He was a Private with regimental number G/4069. Prior to his enlistment Pte Brewer lived in Dorking and was employed on Sir A. Hargreaves Brown’s Estate.

On the 12th of May 1915 Pte Brewer disembarked in France.

At the time of his death he was part of the 1st Battalion Queen’s Royal West Surrey Regiment.

PRIVATE CHARLIE BREWER

Pte. Charlie Brewer, of the 1st Batt. Royal West Surrey Regt. fourth son of Mr. and Mrs. H. Brewer, Park Cottages, Ockley, has we regret to state, died from his wounds in France. The young soldier was wounded in the fighting on October 12th and died on the following day. Prior to enlisting Pte. Brewer was employed on Sir A. Hargreaves Brown’s Estate. He was 25 years of age.

Charlie Brewer Death Notice 13th November 1915 © Dorking Advertiser findmypast.co.uk

Charlie Brewer was wounded in action on 12th October 1915 near the Hohenzollern Redoubt in France. He died the following day on 13th October 1915 in hospital at Bethune, France.

Charlie Brewer Bethune Town Cemetery Roll of Honour © CWGC.org
Charlie Brewer Personal Headstone Inscription Report © CWGC.org

He is buried at the Bethune Town Cemetery, France. His cemetery reference number is: IV.F.8. The headstone bears the inscription: ‘Gone But Not Forgotten God Be With You Till We Meet Again’. He is also commemorated on the St Margaret’s WW1 panel in Ockley.

Charlie Brewer received the British War and Victory medals and the 1915 Star.

Charlie’s mother Fanny received £4, 19s and 9d on 10th January 1916 and a further £3 on 20th July 1919 in Soldier’s Effects.

Born Itchingfield, Sussex
Lived Ockley, Dorking, Surrey
Son of Harfield and Fanny Brewer
Regiment 1st Battalion. The Queen’s Royal West Surrey Regiment
Number G/4069
Date of Death 13th October 1915
Place of Death France
Cause of Death Died of wounds
Age 25
Cemetery Bethune Town Cemetery, Pas de Calais. IV. F. 8.
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