Thank you to Lenka Cathersides for the following research.
Charles Sparkes was born on 21st or 22nd September 1883 in Dorking, Surrey to butler Thomas William and Fanny (nee Baker). He was baptised on 25th November 1883 in Westcott. At the time of the baptism the family lived in Westcott, Surrey and Thomas was working as a butler.
Charles’ father Thomas was born about 1847 to coachman Thomas. His mother Fanny Baker was born about 1841 in Spaldwick, Huntingdonshire to servant Thomas and Mary. Thomas married Fanny on 17th February 1874 at St Mary’s church, Bryanston Square in Westminster. Thomas was working as a servant and his father Thomas was a coachman.
Charles had three known siblings: William James born in the 3rd quarter of 1874 in Huntingdon, Elizabeth Mary born in the 4th quarter of 1875 in London and Caroline born in the 3rd quarter of 1880 in Uckfield, Sussex.
The London, England, School Admissions and Discharges reads that Charles was admitted on 26th August 1889 into Salters Hill School for Infants in Gipsy Road, Lambeth, London. The family lived at 12 Chalford Road in Lambeth. Previously Charles was attending school in Farncombe, Surrey. He was transferred into Salters Hill School on the 30th of August 1891.
Charles was admitted on 31st August 1891 into Salters Hill School. At the time of his admission Charles lived at 12 Chalford Road. He left Salters Hill School on 21st March 1898. His conduct was stated to be very good on the Salters Hill School admission and discharge record.
At the time of the 1891 Census, the family lived at 12 Chalford Road. The household comprised of Fanny and her children: groom William, dressmaker’s apprentice Elizabeth and scholar Charles.
At the time of the 1901 Census, gardener Charles was visiting his sister, dressmaker, Elizabeth at 45 Clive Road, Dulwich, London. Elizabeth was boarding with Aaron and Jane Warren.
Charles Sparkes enlisted on 6th June 1901 into the Royal Marine Light Infantry, Chatham Division. He was a private with a regimental number Ch/12476.
At the time of the 1911 Census, Charles was a private of the Royal Marine Light Infantry on the 1st Class Cruiser HMS Bacchante stationed in Malta, Mediterranean. His religion was Church of England.
Charles Sparkes died on 22nd September 1914 on the HMS Cressy in an action with submarine U9 in North Sea.
“Early on September 22nd 1914 the German submarine U9 under the command of Commander Otto Weddigen sighted the Cressy, Aboukir and Hogue steaming MNE at 10 knots without zigzagging. Although the patrols were supposed to maintain 12-13 knots and zigzag the old cruisers were unable to maintain that speed and the zigzagging order was widely ignored as there had been no submarines sighted in the area during the war. HMS Aboukir was hit by a torpedo first and rolled over within half an hour of the attack. HMS Hogue was picking up survivors when she was hit by two torpedoes, sinking within 10 minutes. HMS Cressy had stopped to pick up survivors, but got underway, before she was hit by a torpedo and damaged. Shortly afterwards, a second torpedo hit her and she sank within 15 minutes. 837 men were rescued but 1459 were killed in total.”(http://www.roll-of-honour.com/Ships/HMSCressy.html)
Charles Sparkes is commemorated at the Chatham Naval Memorial on panel 7.
According to the Electoral Registers, 1832-1965, Charles’ sister Elizabeth and his father Thomas resided at 45 Clive Road, Dulwich, London during the 1920s.
| Born | Dorking, Surrey | |
| Lived | Dorking, Surrey | |
| Son of | Thomas William and Fanny Sparkes of 45, Clive Road, Dulwich, London | |
| Regiment | Royal Marine Light Infantry, HMS Cressy | |
| Number | CH/12476 | |
| Date of Death | 22nd September 1914 | |
| Place of Death | At Sea | |
| Cause of Death | Killed In Action | |
| Age | 30 | |
| Memorial | Chatham Naval Memorial |
