Charles Henry Stone (1887-1915)

Service No: 12025 – Dorsetshire Regiment 6^th Battalion

Charles Henry Stone was born in Dudley in 1887 To James Henry Stone and Eliza Cotton. By the age of 14 he was working as a railway engine cleaner, but by the age of 24 his career had progressed, and he was driving engines and boarding with the Mitchell family at 117 Ash Road, Saltley. Whilst here, Charles met Julia Moulton from Saltley in Washwood Heath who he married in 1914.

He enlisted with the Dorsetshire Regiment on 7^th September 1914 and was soon promoted being made a Lance Corporal on 14^th November 1914 and a Corporal on 2^nd May 1915. He spent the first 309 days of his service at home in England, before setting sail for the front on 15^th July 1915, landing in Boulogne the next day. His battalion moved into Southern Ypres salient and went into line in that area. His wife gave birth to a son, also Charles Henry, on 9^th October 1915. Charles was destined never to meet him as he was killed in action on 15^th December 1915.

To date no evidence has been found that Charles Henry Stone ever lived in Castle Bromwich or had any direct connection with it. It is thought that he may have worked on the railways in the area in his capacity as an Engine Driver.

He is listed on the Castle Bromwich War Memorial, nut not on the memorial plaque in the parish church. He is buried in the Birr Cross Roads Cemetery in West-Vlaanderen in Belgium.