16053, Lance-Corporal, Charles MORLEY
Aged 23
Suffolk Regiment, 7th Battalion
Died of his Wounds on Saturday 28th April 1917
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Born in Lakenheath (Mildenhall Q4-1894 4A:792)
1901 census... Aged 6, he was living in Anchor Lane, High Street,Lakenheath with his father-Edward [48] farm labourer; mother-Rebecca [46] (née MACKENDER); brother- William [23] farm labourer; brother- Ernest E [19] farm labourer; brother- George [17] farm labourer; sister- Elizabeth [19]; sister- Violet [12]; sister- Lily [9]; sister- Alice [4]. All were born in Lakenheath. 1911 census...Aged 16, a farm labourer, he was still at Anchor Lane,Lakenheath, with his widowed mother (charlady) and sister Alice (help on farm). His father had died in 1909. Younger brother of George MORLEY see here |
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Enlisted in Bury St Edmunds. "Soldiers Died" has him dying of his wounds as al;so reported in the Press but the entry on his medal index card that he died on or since 28th April would
indicate killed in action. The 28th April was a hard day for both the 7th and 11th Suffolks, the 11th at Roeux, the 7th close by. The 12th Division made a thrust between the Scarpe and Monchy, the 7th Suffolks going over the top at 4.45 a, to attack the Blue Line, passing through the 5th Berkshires who had just captured Bayonet trench and part of Rifle trench. They came under heavy machine gun fire from Roeux which the troops on the oher side of the river had not yet taken. They suffered heavy losses, all the officers except the Colonel and Adjutant were killed or wounded. Small parties returned to Black line when it grew dark and at 1 am the battalion withdrew to the support line, it was now reduced to 190 effectives. 96 men had been killed of which only 9 have identified graves. The Bury Free Press of 30th March 1918 reported:- LAKENHEATH WIDOW'S SAD NEWS - DEATH OF A SECOND SOLDIER SON We understand that Mrs. Edward Morley, Anchor Lane, Lakenheath, has been officially notified that her son, Corpl.Charles Morley, 7th Suffolk Regiment, is now believed to have died on or about April 28th 1917. He was previously reported as missing on that date. Letters received from comrades shortly after reported he was wounded and had his wounds dressed, but no further news has been recieved of him. He enlisted in Nov.,1914 and was sent out to France the following May. He was 22 years of age. Last year a married son lost his life at war,leaving a widow and family. Sympathy is felt for Mrs. Morley in this, her double bereavement. |
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