MAJOR (QM) HERBERT ALFRED CHARLTON

ROYAL ENGINEERS

Lieutenant Colonel Edward De Santis

1. INTRODUCTION

The principal references used in the preparation of this narrative were from a number of sources, the most significant of which were Major Charlton’s service papers which were obtained from the Army Personnel Centre in Glasgow, Scotland. Other sources include census records, official registries in the United Kingdom, medal rolls, family trees, army lists, and The London Gazette. The 55 pages of Major Charlton’s service papers enabled the author to produce a rather comprehensive narrative of his life and service, certainly more comprehensive than that which normally can be produced for a man who served after the Great War. The service papers also included the names of many individuals with whom Charlton served along with the locations where he served and addresses where he and his family members lived. These names and addresses enabled the author to obtain many photographs of people and places mentioned in the text, which it is hoped will add to Charlton’s story. Wikipedia.com and Google Earth were instrumental in obtaining these images.

All sources of information used in this work are contained in the REFERENCE section at the end of the narrative and are cited throughout in the ENDNOTES. Where information is not cited, it has been taken from Charlton’s service documents. Every effort has been made to accurately portray the life and military service of Major Charlton.

2. EARLY LIFE AND FAMILY INFORMATION

Family Information

Herbert Alfred Charlton was born at Boughton, Faversham, Kent on the 29th of May 1906.[i] He was the son of Alfred George Charlton (1880-1949), a bricklayer, and Ellen Fanny Charlton (née Harvey) (1879-1918). Herbert’s paternal grandparents were Richard T. Charlton (1856-1926) and Mary Charlton (née Harris) (1858-1947). His maternal grandparents were Henry Harvey (1834-1907) and Sarah Harvey (née Coveney) (1840-1905).

Herbert first appears in the 1911 census along with his parents, a brother and a sister living at 2 Park Road in Faversham, as shown in the table below.

Census Place: Faversham, Kent.
Name	Relation	Marital Status	Age	Personal Occupation	Origin Birthplace
Alfred George Charlton	Head	Married	31	Bricklayer	Ospringe, Faversham, Kent (1)
Ellen Fanny Charlton	Wife	Married	31		Hernill, Faversham, Kent (2)
William George Charlton	Son		6		Boughton, Kent
Herbert Alfred Charlton	Son		4		Boughton, Kent
Lillian Isabel Charlton	Daughter		2		Boughton, Kent

TABLE NOTES:

1. Ospringe is a village and area of Faversham in the county of Kent. It is also the name of a civil parish, which since 1935 has not included the village of Ospringe. Faversham is a market town and civil parish in the Swale district of Kent. The town is 48 miles from London and 10 miles from Canterbury and lies next to the Swale, a strip of sea separating mainland Kent from the Isle of Sheppey in the Thames Estuary.

2. Hernhill is a village and civil parish between Faversham and Canterbury. The parish includes the hamlets of Crockham, Dargate, The Fostall, Lamberhurst, Oakwell, Staple Street, Thread, Waterham and Wey Street.

The Charlton Family Tree shows that Alfred and Ellen Charlton had another son, Thomas Henry Charlton, who was born on the 27^th of December 1902 in Faversham. He would have been aged 9 years in 1911, but for some reason he does not appear in the census. Apparently he was alive in 1911, as the family tree shows his date of death as the 31^st of October 1994. Thomas may have been away at school at the time of the census or he might have been living with another relative at the time.

Herbert Alfred Charlton was baptized at Hernhill, probably in his mother’s parish church, on the 6^th of October 1907.

On the 11^th of February 1915, during the first winter of the Great War, Herbert’s sister, Enid Mary Charlton (1915-1997) was born at Faversham, Kent. Sadly, his mother died on the 5^th of November 1918, just prior to the end of that war and possibly from Spanish influenza.

Little is known concerning Herbert’s early years although it may be assumed that he worked as a bricklayer, probably with his father. As will be seen, when he first enlisted in the Army in 1925 at age 19 he indicated that he was a bricklayer by trade.

3. ENLISTMENT, POSTINGS AND CAMPAIGN SERVICE

Enlistment and Service in the Infantry (1925-1926)

Charlton enlisted in The Buffs (East Kent Regiment) at Canterbury, Kent on the 10^th of November 1925. Upon his enlistment he was assigned Army Number 6283027.[ii] At the time of his enlistment the Depot of the East Kent Regiment was located at Canterbury in Kent. The 1st Battalion of the Regiment was in Gibraltar at that time and in 1926 it was transferred to Meerut, India. The 2nd Battalion was serving in the United Kingdom at Portland[iii] in 1925 and was moved to Aldershot in 1926.[iv] Given the locations of the 1st and 2nd Battalions, and Charlton’s birthplace, it is most likely that he enlisted at the Regimental Depot, since Canterbury was located only about 6.5 miles from his home in Boughton. His service papers indicate that he enlisted in the 4^th Battalion, one of the regiment’s Territorial battalions.

Upon his enlistment Charlton answered the normal questions that always were put to the new recruit. He indicated that:

His residence was The Lees, Chilham, Kent.
He was a bricklayer by trade.
He was not married.
He had no previous service in His Majesty’s naval or military forces.
He was a British Subject.
His father and mother both were British by birth.
He agreed to receiving a reduced rate of pay, and
He agreed to serve outside of the U.K.

On the 13^th of November he was given his preliminary medical examination at Canterbury. The results of this examination were as shown below. The examination also provides some indication of his physical appearance at the time.

Apparent age: 19 years and 5 months.
Height: 5 feet 6 inches.
Weight: 122 pounds.
Chest fully expanded: 36½ inches.
Range of chest expansion: 3½ inches.
Complexion: Dark.
Eyes: Blue.
Hair: Dark.
Religious denomination: Church of England.[v]

Herbert Charlton’s height and weight at the time of his enlistment certainly indicated that he was a small man. His fully expanded chest measurement of 36½ inches is somewhat out of keeping with a man of his height and weight and his range of expansion is rather large for a man of his size. A range of expansion of 2 inches is usual for someone of his size (based on numerous results that the author has seen after years of research). Even by 1900 standards for the British Army for men between the ages of 18 and 25 a man standing 5’-3” and weighing 115 pounds would have a chest measurement in the range of 34 to 36 inches. Charlton’s upper body was either very well developed, or he made an extraordinary effort to expand his chest.

Following this medical examination, performed by Captain John Robinson, The Buffs Medical Officer, Charlton was found fit for service in the Territorial Forces and was posted to the 4^th Battalion of the regiment. This battalion had its drill hall located on St. Peters Lane in Canterbury. At the time of Charlton’s service with the unit its Colonel Commandant was The Viscount Goschen, G.C.I.E., C.B.E., V.D.[vi] The battalion’s Lieutenant Colonel was E.B. Burns.

On the 1^st of December 1925, following his attestation and medical examination, Herbert Alfred Charlton’s enlistment was certified by the approving authority at Canterbury.

Transfer to the Royal Engineers (1928-1940)
Private Charlton served with The Buffs until the 9^th of September 1926 when he was discharged from the Territorial Force in order to join the Regular Army (Royal Engineers). His service papers show that as a result of his discharge he was unable to attend the battalion’s 1926 Territorial training camp. His service in the Territorial Force was reckoned at 304 days, time that also reckoned for the award of the Territorial Efficiency Medal, which he never earned as a result of his transfer to the Regular Army.

His discharge from The Buffs and subsequent enlistment in the Royal Engineers undoubtedly was due to his skill as a bricklayer and the needs of the Royal Engineers for men with this skill. He joined the R.E. on the day following his discharge from the Territorial Force with his service towards his limited engagement reckoning from the 10^th of September 1926, the date of his new attestation. He retained his Army Number of 6283027 when he joined the Royal Engineers at Canterbury and became a Pioneer (Bricklayer), Group E – Class III.

His attestation in the Royal Engineers required him to answer questions again that were similar to those to which he responded when he joined The Buffs. His attestation was for 6 years with the Colours and 6 years with the Reserve. He answered the questions put to him in the following manner, stating that:

His residence was Ospringe, Faversham, Kent.
He was a British Subject.
His father and mother both were British Subjects by birth.
His age was 20 years and 104 days.
He was a bricklayer’s labourer by trade.
He was not married.
His prior military service was with the 4^th Battalion, The Buffs.
He was not and had never been an Apprentice.
He had never been sentenced or imprisoned by civil power.
He had never been rejected for service in His Majesty’s naval or military forces.
He was willing to be vaccinated or re-vaccinated.
He understood that he was liable for service with the mounted forces.
He had been notified of the liabilities of enlisting by Regimental Sergeant Major F.G. Verlander, 4^th Battalion, The Buffs.

On the 11^th of September 1926, following these administrative formalities, Charlton was posted to “B” Company of the Royal Engineers Training Battalion at Chatham, Kent. It was in this unit that he would receive his training as an engineer soldier.

Recruit Training (1926-1927)

His service papers show that on the 16^th of September 1926 he passed the Trade Test for Pioneer (Bricklayer), Group F(*), Class II while assigned to the School of Military Engineering at Chatham. This test was administered at the Army Workshops by a Lieutenant Lithgow, R.E. The test results would later be certified by the Officer Commanding “B” Company, Training Battalion on the 21^st of September with a note appended by the officer stating that Charlton would be “Worth six months training.” When Charlton initially joined the Royal Engineers he was classified as a Pioneer (Bricklayer) Group E – Class III. After this Trade Test he was reclassified as Group F(*), Class II and was considered worthy of further training. One can only assume that his skills as a bricklayer were such that his classification was elevated to a higher grade.[vii]

On the 17^th of September 1926 Charlton was once again given a medical examination, the results of which were described as follows:

Apparent age: 20 years and 3 months.
Height: 5 feet 6 inches.
Weight: 125 pounds.
Chest fully expanded: 37 inches
Range of chest expansion: 4 inches.
Complexion: Fresh.
Eyes: Blue.
Hair: Dark brown.
Distinctive marks: Scar on the front of his left knee; scar on the back of his right thigh.
Religious denomination: Church of England.

This description shows an increase in his chest measurement and range of chest expansion since November of 1925, a very slight increase in weight, describes two scars that may have not been noticed in 1925 or that may have resulted from injuries while serving in the infantry. His complexion had changed from “dark” to “fresh” and his hair is described as “dark brown” rather than simply “dark.”

On the same date of this medical examination Charlton was issued a Certificate of Primary Military Examination at Canterbury, thereby finding him fit to serve in the Royal Engineers. He also was issued a Certificate of Medical Examination at Canterbury finding him fit for service in the Army. His attestation was certified by the Approving Authority at Chatham and he was approved for service in the Royal Engineers by the Commander of the Training Battalion, R.E.

Charlton continued his training in “B” Company of the Training Battalion and on the 17^th of November 1926 he was awarded a 3^rd Class Certificate of Education. The Third Class certificate specified the standard for promotion to the rank of corporal.

Service with the 7^th Field Company, R.E. (1927-1931)

As Charlton was near to completing his recruit training he received an Employment Assessment (Recruit Training) on the 19^th of July 1927 from Lieutenant R.H. James, R.E., an officer in “B” Company of the Training Battalion. Lieutenant James stated in his assessment that Charlton was “a quiet reliable man who has not quite developed yet.” Shortly thereafter, on the 12^th of August 1927, Charlton was posted to the 7^th Field Company, R.E. in Wiesbaden, Germany. On the 24^th of September 1927 Charlton was given a second Employment Assessment (General Duties) by an officer in the 7^th Field Company. The officer wrote: “A good lad.” One wonders what value this assessment had. A good lad? It was almost like the officer was talking about a school boy. One could hardly call this an “assessment” of anything.

It appears that a cavalry unit also was billeted in the ‘kaserne” along with the 7^th Field Company and that this cavalry unit probably shared the officer mess area and quarters areas and the central sports ground with the Sappers. It appears that the 7^th Field Company Non-Commissioned Officers and Other Ranks occupied Ypres and St. Andrew’s Barracks.

Charlton continued his studies while serving with the 7^th Field Company and he earned his Second Class Certificate of Education on the 26^th of January 1928. On the 6^th of March 1928 he passed the Class III test as a Bricklayer. This test was conducted at the Army Workshops by a Lieutenant in the Royal Armoured Corps who was the president of the Command Testing Board, British Army of the Rhine in Wiesbaden. Charlton’s test results were certified by an officer of the 7^th Field Company on the 23^rd of March. On the 2^nd of November 1928 Charlton was re-mustered as a Bricklayer, Group B, Class III.

There are few specifics known about the actions of the 7^th Field Company during its time in Germany. Unit activities of the Royal Engineers were generally posted in monthly The Sapper magazines in the section entitled Station News. The information that was published depended on the energy and enthusiasm of the individual in the company who was assigned the duty of writing the article each month. During the period from late 1928 to late 1930 this individual did not display much energy in submitting the company’s activities. A review of Station News in the editions of The Sapper during this period only uncovered the following information during the period in which Charlton served in the company:

In December 1928 Company Sergeant Major Harraway left the unit to serve in the Training Battalion, R.E. at Chatham. The company had finished up four days of maneuvers and was in barracks for the winter. The men in the company were engaged in trade training and were divided into three leave parties to the U.K., presumably for the Christmas and New Year’s holidays.
In June 1929 the Officer Commanding 7^th Field Company, Major E.N. Evelegh, D.S.O., M.C., R.E. departed the company. Two other officers left the company that same month: Lieutenant S.R.G. Scott, R.E.[viii] and a Lieutenant Gibbs.[ix] Evelegh was replaced as O.C. by Major T.W.R. Haycraft, R.E..[x] Two other officers, Lieutenants Cardale[xi] and Chapman also joined the unit this month. During May and June of 1929 the company took part in annual field works training and moved to Schierstein for pontoon training.
In July 1929 the company was in camp at Schierstein using old pontoon equipment for training. Many of the young Sappers who had trained on more modern equipment found this older bridging equipment to be rather strange. On the 3^rd of July Charlton was appointed an Acting (Unpaid) Lance Corporal and on the 20^th of July the company took part in the British Army of the Rhine annual review.
In August 1929 the company finished bridging camp at Schierstein and finished the training with company sports and aquatic sports. This was the last entry in The Sapper until November of 1930 when the company was back in the U.K. at Colchester, Essex where it was posted in November of 1929.[xii] It appears that during the spring and summer months of 1930 the company spent five months in camps at Coxwatch Camp, Fingringhoe in Essex, Wouldham in Kent and Saxmundham in Suffolk before returning to barracks at Colchester.
In September 1931 the company was engaged in brigade exercises. This is the last entry posted in The Sapper before Charlton left the company.

Charlton had received another Employment Assessment on the 3^rd of October 1929 while the company was in Wiesbaden. His military conduct was assessed as “Excellent” during his performance of “General Duties.” The rating officer wrote: “Keen, smart & very intelligent. Inclined to be a little shy, but should make an excellent N.C.O. when he has overcome this.” Certainly this was an assessment more substantive than “A good lad,” but still rather curt as was the custom of British officers during the period when rating the performance of Other Ranks. On the 16^th of October 1929 Charlton was granted an increase in pay for having completed three years of service.

On the 4^th of February 1930 Charlton was appointed a paid Lance Corporal on the General Roster and on the 15^th of October 1930 he was given another assessment in his new rank with the ranking officer stating that he was “A promising NCO who is keen in his work and is gradually gaining confidence. Has had little opportunity of working at his trade but should get plenty this winter. Is honest and sober. Can use a typewriter and has a fair knowledge of a clerk’s duties.”

Lance Corporal Charlton passed the Bricklayer Trade Test, Group B, Class II on the 30^th of April 1931 while he was still serving with the 7^th Field Company at Colchester. The test was administered by a Lieutenant Colonel Leslie, Royal Army Ordnance Corps, who was the President of the Area Testing Board at that time. The test results were certified by the O.C., 7^th Field Company on the 15^th of May and Charlton was issued a Certificate of Trade Proficiency as a Bricklayer, Class II on this same date.

Charlton extended his service to complete 12 years with the Colours on the 16^th of September 1931 and on the 28^th of September he was given another assessment in his Annual Report and Employment Sheet in which the rating officer stated that: “He has amply fulfilled his promise of last year. He has now plenty of confidence and has proved himself an excellent tradesman.”

Charlton’s service papers show that on the 23^rd of October 1931 he was posted to the 22^nd Fortress Company, but that he only remained with that unit until the 1^st of November 1931 when he was reassigned to the 4^th Fortress Company.

Service with the 4^th Fortress Company, R.E. (1931-1933)

Both the 4^th and 22^nd Fortress Companies were part of the Southern Command in the U.K. in 1931.[xiii] The Officer Commanding the 22^nd Fortress Company was Major H.A. Urquhart, R.E.[xiv] and the O.C. of the 4^th Fortress Company at the time was Captain N.G.M. Oudney, M.C., R.E.[xv] Both companies were stationed at Monckton Hutments in Gosport, Hampshire and they supported the Royal Engineers School of Electric Lighting (S.E.L.) there. In September of 1932 there was a major reorganization of the fortress companies located in the U.K. The 16^th, 22^nd and 45^th Fortress Companies were disbanded and many of the men from those companies (located at North Shields and Portsmouth) were posted to the 4^th Fortress Company. This reorganization probably explains why Charlton’s stay with the 22^nd Fortress Company lasted for only about a week. In anticipation of this reorganization he probably was not needed on the strength of the 22^nd Company. The Royal Engineers List of October 1932, page xxiii, shows the officer strength of the 4^th Fortress Company as follows:

· Major J.E. Chippindall, MC, R.E. (O.C. ex officio)[xvi]

· Captain Robert Denis Keane, R.E.[xvii]

· Captain N.G.M. Oudney, MC, R.E.

· Lieutenant N.R. Swales, R.E.

· Lieutenant J.T.S. Tutton, R.E.

One of the tasks that Lance Corporal Charlton was certainly given was the masonry work associated with the new pavilion being constructed at the S.E.L. in Gosport. The construction of this pavilion was reported in Station News in the March 1932 edition of The Sapper. As a Bricklayer, Charlton certainly would have worked on this structure.

On the 23^rd of November 1932 his Annual Report and Employment Sheet noted the following assessment by a company officer: “Very hard working and versatile. Puts his very best into any work given to him to do.”

Service with the Training Battalion, R.E. (1933-1935)

On the 6^th of January 1933 Lance Corporal Charlton was posted to “C” Company of the Royal Engineers Training Battalion at Chatham, Kent.[xviii] At this time the Training Battalion was commanded by Lieutenant Colonel W. Cave-Brown, D.S.O., M.C., R.E.[xix] and “C” Company was commanded by Captain H.T.L. Loftus-Tottenham, R.E.

Charlton was employed as a non-commissioned officer in a Recruit Party and his first annual assessment dated the 30^th of September 1933 made by the O.C., “C” Company indicates that he was: “A very hard working N.C.O.” On the 31^st of January 1934 he was promoted to the rank of Corporal. He appears to have continued in his assignment of recruit training in “C” Company until the 5^th of April 1934 when he was posted to Headquarters Wing of the Training Battalion. Headquarters Wing at that time was commanded by Major H.A. Baker, M.C., R.E.[xx]

Charlton’s employment with Headquarters Wing appears to have been temporary and possibly the result of the need to fill a critical vacancy shortage for a junior NCO in that unit. He returned to training duties with “C” Company on the 10^th of September 1934. Lieutenant Colonel Cave-Brown had been replaced by Lieutenant Colonel Walter Hayes Oxley, M.C., R.E.[xxi] by this time and Captain H.C.T. Faithful had taken command of “C” Company. Captain Faithfull gave Charlton his first employment assessment on the 1^st of October, stating that Charlton was “A smart and hard-working N.C.O. Intelligent and has initiative.”

Service at the Army Technical School (Boys)(1935-1939)

On the 31^st of January 1935 Corporal Charlton was posted to “G” Company of the Depot Battalion Royal Engineers at Chatham. This battalion was commanded by Lieutenant Colonel D.McA. Hogg, M.C., R.E.[xxii] “G” Company was commanded by Captain G.E.H. Philbrick, R.E.[xxiii] and the company’s second in command was Captain G.L. Baker, R.E.[xxiv] Upon his posting to “G” Company, Charlton was attached to the Army Technical School (Boys) at Chepstow in Gwent, South Wales.[xxv]

On the 5^th of February 1935 Charlton was appointed a Paid Temporary Lance Sergeant to complete the establishment of the A.T.S. (Boys) at Chepstow. On the 21^st of September of that same year he received his first annual report assessment from Captain M. Churchill, A.T.S. Churchill stated that Charlton was: “Employed as wing commander in charge of 70 Boys. Keen and smart, intelligent and trustworthy.”

Charlton was appointed a Temporary Lance Sergeant on the Royal Engineers General Roster on the 6^th of January 1936 while he was serving at Chepstow. On the 21^st of February 1936 he was promoted to the substantive rank of Lance Sergeant and he received his second annual assessment on the 12^th of September where his commander stated that he was: “Employed as wing commander i/c of 70 apprentice tradesmen. Has carried out his duties with [?] intelligence. Sober, honest and trustworthy. Well up to the average as an NCO. Has taken great interest in the Boys games. Is a very efficient soccer referee.”[xxvi]

While at Chepstow, Charlton continued his education and on the 19^th of November 1936 he passed the course in Geography towards his First Class Certificate of Education. At some point in late 1936 or early 1937 he was re-assigned from his duties as a wing commander and was made an instructor at the school. On the 11^th of September 1937 Charlton re-engaged at Beachley Camp, Chepstow to complete 21 years of service. His annual assessment, by Captain Churchill, rendered on the 15^th of September, stated that he was: “Employed as a Bricklayer instructor. A good instructor, keen, smart and industrious.”[xxvii]

Lance Sergeant Charlton was an instructor and a student at the same time. On the 29^th of October 1937 he passed courses in English and Map reading towards his First Class Certificate of Education and on the 23^rd of March 1938 he was awarded that certificate.

Charlton married on the 18^th of April 1938 (see details in Section 6 below) and on the 23^rd of April he was placed on the Marriage Allowance Roll. On the 30^th of April he was appointed a Paid Temporary Sergeant to complete the establishment at Chepstow. This “Paid” appointment certainly was most welcomed as it would assist him in supporting his new wife.

Charlton’s next annual assessment, this time as a Sergeant, was made by Captain John R. Peel, R.E. of “D” Company, A.T.S. (Boys). Captain Peel wrote on the 30^th of September 1938 that Charlton was: “Employed as a Bricklayer instructor. A very keen worker who takes a great interest in those he is teaching. Smart & reliable and interested in all Company activities, especially football. Awarded the Company 1^st C.C. Education.” This was a rather more substantial assessment, but still rather bland and less than stirring. The comment that Charlton was awarded the “Company 1^st C.C. Education, presumably 1^st Class Certificate of Education, is rather confusing. Certificates of Education were awarded by the Army and not by Company.

Charlton was promoted to the substantive rank of Sergeant on the 19^th of October 1938. His next annual assessment was made by Captain Peel on the 4^th of May 1939. In this assessment Peel stated that Charlton: “Has continued in the same employment in which he had given every satisfaction. A conscientious and keen instructor.”

Service with the 23^rd Field Company, R.E. (1939-1940)

Sergeant Charlton was posted to the 23^rd Field Company at Aldershot on the 9^th of May 1939. War with Germany was looming on the horizon at this time and as fate would have it, on the 22^nd of September 1939 Charlton proceeded to France with his company as part of the British 1^st Infantry Division. It appears that just prior to his deployment with the division Charlton may have purchased a home in the area of Beachley, just north of the Army Technical School, as we shall see later on that his wife remained in this area while he was away on active service in France and Belgium.

The order of battle of the British 1^st Infantry Division is as shown below, with five R.E. field companies and a field park company assigned to the division. The order of battle of the division, along with photographs of two general officers who commanded the division while it was in France from the 3^rd of September 1939 to the 31^st of May 1940, is shown below.

ORDER OF BATTLE

1st INFANTRY DIVISION

BRITISH EXPEDITIONARY FORCE

Sep 1939 - May 1940

General Officer Commanding

03 Sep 1939: Major General Hon. H.R.L.G. Alexander

31 May 1940: Brigadier M.B. Beckwith-Smith (acting GOC)

Divisional Troops

Royal Armoured Corps

13th/18th Hussars

Royal Artillery

2nd Field Regiment

24th Field Regiment

67th Field Regiment

21st Anti-Tank Regiment

Royal Engineers

17th Field Company

23rd Field Company

26th Field Company

238th Field Company

248th Field Company

6th Field Park Company

1st Division Signals Company

Infantry Brigades

1st Infantry Brigade (Guards)		2nd Infantry Brigade
3rd Bn, Grenadier Guards		1st Bn, Loyal Regiment
1st Bn, Coldstream Guards		2nd Bn, North Staffordshire Regiment
2nd Bn, Hampshire Regiment		1st Bn, Gordon Highlanders
1st Infantry Bde. Anti-Tank Company		2nd Infantry Bde. Anti-Tank Company

3rd Infantry Brigade
1st Bn, Duke of Wellington’s Regiment
2nd Bn, Sherwood Foresters
1st Bn, King’s Shropshire Light Infantry
3rd Infantry Bde. Anti-Tank Company

The Commander Royal Engineers (C.R.E.) of the 1st Infantry Division was Lieutenant Colonel W.A.M. Stawell, R.E.,[xxviii] who was later succeeded by Lieutenant Colonel R.D.B. Perrott, R.E.[xxix] The 1st and 2nd Infantry Divisions, both part of the Aldershot Command at that time, formed the British I Corps.

The majority of the 1st Infantry Division crossed the English Channel on the 20th of September 1939 in order to assist the French with their defence against the attacking German forces.

On the 1^st of December 1939 Sergeant Charlton was promoted Acting Warrant Officer Class II (Company Sergeant Major) of the 23^rd Field Company and on the 1^st of March 1940 he was confirmed in the War Substantive rank of Company Sergeant Major having held the paid acting rank of Warrant Officer Class II for 3 months. In this position of great responsibility, after 14 years of service, Charlton was to become involved in war time service for the first time.

After a day or two in billets around Laval, the 23^rd Field Company and other units of the 1st Infantry Division began the great trek to the north on the 26th of September to its first assembly area. The two British corps which arrived in France concentrated in areas thought to be relatively safe from aerial bombardment and began the construction of bases and the provision of necessary stores and personnel. From these areas, during the period known as “the Phony War”, they constructed works to prepare for a possible German attack.

On the 10th of May 1940, the Germans forces invaded Holland and Belgium, and immediately the Anglo-French troops advanced in accordance with a long prepared defensive plan. The 1st Infantry Division moved directly by motor transport to the River Dyle and was in defensive positions by the 11th of May. In these positions, the 23rd Field Company, along with the other divisional engineers, were engaged in the construction of anti-tank obstacles and the preparation of bridges for demolition.

German penetrations of the Dutch, Belgian and French sectors of the defensive line necessitated a withdrawal from the River Dyle line back to the River Escaut. This withdrawal was begun and completed by the night of the 18th/19th of May. During the withdrawal the Royal Engineers units destroyed bridges and created other obstacles to impede the German advance. On the 20th of May, the withdrawal to the River Escaut of one infantry brigade of the 1st Division was delayed by the congestion of refugees on the roads. CSM Charlton’s company and the other Divisional Royal Engineers were ordered to take over the brigade’s sector. The sappers fought as infantry during this period and held the sector for 36 hours.
Owing to continued penetration on the south of the defensive line, and the German pressure on the Belgium forces in the north, the British were forced to fall back to the defensive positions prepared during the period of “the Phony War” along the River Lys. This was accomplished on the night of the 22nd/23rd of May. On the 26th of May, under continued pressure by the advancing Germans, the decision was made to withdraw into the Dunkirk perimeter. By the morning of the 30th of May, the whole of the British Expeditionary Force had withdrawn inside the perimeter defences and the last of the bridges were blown by the engineers. The speed and ferocity of the Germans’ Blitzkrieg attack had taken the Allies by surprise. The men of the 23^rd Field Company had a busy time and the effectiveness of their demolition work on bridges as each line of British troops was withdrawn from the battle area helped considerably to delay the enemy advance.

The Royal Engineers inside the perimeter at Dunkirk were required to perform many tasks to assist with the evacuation. They were put to work preparing bridges over canals and causeways for demolition and they were allocated sectors of the front to prepare for defence and to hold if attacked. The 23^rd Field Company took part in the successful defence of a sector at Escaut for 36 hours during the 20^th and 21^st of May until it was relieved.

The R.E. companies of the 1st Division built a jetty of 3-ton lorries which were driven into the sea at low tide, close together, side by side, and with gangway planks over the canopy frames. This jetty enabled men to be embarked dryshod, and for the larger craft to pick up passengers directly, without having to transfer them from smaller boats. Although the sea-ends of this jetty whipped about in an awe inspiring manner at high tide, the ingenious construction greatly assisted the work of embarkation.[xxx]

Return to England (1941-1943)

Company Sergeant Major Charlton was one of the lucky survivors of the evacuation from Dunkirk. On the 5^th of June 1940 after returning to England, Charlton was taken on the strength of the 5^th Infantry Brigade Base Depot and on the 14^th of June 1940 he was reposted to the 23^rd Field Company. Shortly thereafter, on the 19^th of September, he was posted as Company Sergeant Major to the 238^th Field Company. This company had served side-by-side with the 23^rd Field Company in the 1^st Division in France, so Charlton probably was acquainted with many of the officer and non-commissioned officers of his new company.

Emily Charlton gave birth to a son, Raymond Keith Charlton in the hospital at Lydney, Gloucestershire on the 26^th of July 1941. This hospital was very close to the Charlton home at Beachley in the Forest of Dean.

Charlton was still serving as the CSM in the 238th Field Company on the 15th of September 1941 when he prepared a Military Will (Army Form B. 2089).[xxxi] The Executrix of Charlton’s will was his wife, Emily Gwendoline (“Gwen”) Charlton who was residing at “The Retreat,” 2 Loop Road, Beachley, Chepstow, Gwent in South Wales. The will was witnessed by a fellow soldier, 2025127 (rank unknown) Robert W. Baillie, R.E. and a Captain (Army Number: 68398), whose name is not legible on the form.

On the 31^st of January 1942 CSM Charlton attended the Signal Duties Wireless Telegraphy Course conducted by 1^st Division Signals personnel and successfully he completed the course. He continued his service in the 238^th Field Company until the 9^th of May 1942 when he was posted to the Office of the Commander Royal Engineers (CRE) at Milford, Derbyshire. His service there lasted only about eight months. On the 1^st of April 1943 he was posted to 4 Base Workshops, Royal Engineers (possibly at Brighton).

Commissioned Service (1943-1959)

While serving as an Acting Regimental Sergeant Major (Warrant Officer Class I) at 4 Base Workshops, Charlton decided to apply for a commission in the Royal Engineers. He was discharged from the ranks on the 6^th of April 1943 with a total of 16 years and 209 days. His military conduct was rated as “Excellent” during that entire period. On the following day he was granted a Regular Army Emergency Commission as a Lieutenant (Quartermaster), Army Number 270844.[xxxii]

Service in France and Germany (1944-1946)

After his commissioning, Lieutenant Charlton continued serving in the U.K. until the 15^th of July 1944 when he embarked for France for service in North West Europe. Upon his arrival he was posted to Headquarters, 21 Army Group where he spent the remainder of the war years.

On the 9^th of September 1944 he became eligible for the Long Service and Good Conduct Medal (GVIR) with bar {REGULAR ARMY] after completing 18 years of service with the Colours.[xxxiii]

Charlton appears to have remained in France and Germany after the war and was posted to 5 Base Workshops in the British Army of the Rhine on the 17^th of January 1946. He remained with this unit until the 23^rd of March when he returned to the U.K. and arrived at the Royal Engineers Depot in Chatham on the 26^th of March.

Home Service (1946-1951)

On the 7^th of April 1946 Charlton was promoted to the rank of Captain (Quartermaster).[xxxiv] He was attached for duty to the office of the Chief Engineer London Division on the 23^rd of June 1946 and four days later he was posted to the office of the Chief Engineer Western Division. Charlton was granted a Regular Army Short Service Commission as a Captain (Quartermaster) on the 1^st of December 1946 with a seniority date of the 7^th of April 1946.[xxxv]

On the 4^th of February 1947 Captain Charlton left the office of the Chief Engineer Western Division and was posted back to the office of the Chief Engineer London Division where he remained for a little over a month. The office of the Chief Engineer London Division appears to have been a channel through which R.E. officers passed en route to other assignments within the U.K. On the 10^th of March 1947 he was posted to the headquarters of “M’ Field Engineer Regiment (Territorial Army). This appears to have been a new field engineer regiment in the process of formation. By the 30^th of April 1947 this unit was re-designated 108 Field Engineer Regiment (T.A.) and was part of the 53^rd (Welsh) Infantry Division.

Although Charlton has qualified for the Army Long Service and Good Conduct Medal on the 9^th of September 1944, he did not receive the medal until the 28 of November 1947. The award of the medal was published in the London Gazette dated 28 November 1947, edition No. 38134, and he received it while serving with Headquarters Royal Engineers, 53 (Welsh) Infantry Division T.A. at its drill hall in Swansea. No explanation is given in his service papers to indicate why there was a 3-year delay in his receiving the medal.

Charlton’s service papers indicate that he attended the regiment’s annual camp at Weymouth between the 13^th and the 27^th of June 1948, a camp in Lancashire from the 24^th of August to the 7^th of September 1949 and the annual camp at Llandudno, Wales from the 7^th to the 25^th of June 1950. From the 17^th through the 19^th of November 1950 Charlton took part in Exercise “Centurion” with the regiment at Shrewsbury.

A search was made in the Territorial News section of issues of The Sapper magazine from April 1947 to December 1950. Only two entries relating to the 108^th Field Engineer Regiment could be found. In the April 1949 issue (page 166) it was noted that the regiment was receiving demolition lectures and that it was involved with the demolition of a 100-foot high chimney stack. The January 1950 issue (page 112) indicated that the O.C. of the regiment was Lieutenant Colonel R.D. Heseltine, V.D., R.E.[xxxvi] and that 282 Field Squadron and 285 Field Park Squadron were part of the regiment.

Service in Germany (1951-1956)

Captain Charlton passed through the Royal Engineers Depot at Chatham on the 31^st of December 1950 while on his way to a new posting with the British Army of the Rhine. He proceeded to the port of embarkation on the 7^th of January 1951 and joined 26 Field Engineer Regiment on the 9^th of January. 26 Field Engineer Regiment consisted of 7, 29 and 60 Field Squadrons and 43 Field Park Company.[xxxvii] The regiment was commanded by Lieutenant Colonel William Harry Aylwin, R.E.,[xxxviii] who also was the Commander Royal Engineers in the area where the regiment was located.[xxxix]

While with this unit, Charlton may have served as the Regimental Quartermaster or he may have been assigned to one of companies as a Company Quartermaster. His service papers do not provide these details. A search was made of issues of The Sapper magazine from January 1951 to November 1955, but no specific mention of Charlton could be found. The magazines do provide many details regarding the regiment’s training and sports activities, but only in a general way. The August 1951 issue tells of the regiment’s training at a bridging camp on the River Weser, a river in Northwestern Germany formed at Hannoversch, Münden by the confluence of the rivers Fulda and Werra. It flows through Lower Saxony, then reaches the Hanseatic city of Bremen, before emptying 50 kilometers further north at Bremerhaven into the North Sea. The regiment’s squadrons constructed float bridges with gaps as wide as 300 feet and also constructed rafts for ferrying heavy equipment across the river. Live loads of vehicles and artillery pieces, provided by local armour and artillery units, were used to prove the bridges and rafts. General Eisenhower visited the camp and a wet-bridging demonstration was put on for him.

The May 1952 issue of The Sapper indicates that the regiment took part in a route march to the Harz Mountains. The January 1953 issue contains a full page relating to the regiment.

In June 1953, along with many other men of 26 Field Engineer Regiment, Captain Charlton was awarded the Coronation Medal 1953 and on the 28^th of September 1953 he was promoted Major (Quartermaster).[xl] At about the time of his promotion to Major, Charlton’s period of service with the regiment was about to end. On the 10^th of November 1953 he requested to remain as the Quartermaster of 26 Field Engineer Regiment for a fourth year and this request was granted. It is clear now from his service papers that he was the Regimental Quartermaster after his promotion to Major. On the 11^th of September 1954 he made a further request to extend his Short Service Commission for three years under the provisions of Army Council Instructions 433 of 1953. He indicated in his request that his Medical Category was F.E. (see Section 4 below for an explanation of Medical Categories). This request for an extension of his commission also was approved.

Service in Libya (1955-1957)

Major Charlton was posted Home in on the 21^st of November 1955 and he departed 26 Field Engineer Regiment on this date, arriving at the Royal Engineers Depot at Chatham on the following day. He remained at the Depot until the 8^th of January 1956 when he was posted to the London Assembly Center for Tripoli. On the following day he was posted to 22 Field Engineer Regiment, Middle East Land Force (M.E.L.F.).

The 22^nd Field Engineer Regiment traced its modern history back to 1948 when the regiment was formed in British Libya from the former 1st Infantry Divisional Engineers. In 1951 the regiment moved to the Suez Canal Zone. In 1954 the regiment returned to Libya and transferred the next year to the Middle East Land Forces. When the 1st Division moved back to the United Kingdom the regiment joined the 10th Armoured Division.

At the time the Charlton was posted to the unit, 22 Field Engineer Regiment consisted of 3, 17 and 23 Field Squadrons and 6 Field Park Squadron. The regiment was detailed for Operation “Musketeer” in the Suez Canal Zone, but only 3 Field Squadron took part in the operation. Operation Musketeer was the Anglo-French plan for the invasion of the Suez Canal zone to capture the Suez Canal during the Suez Crisis in 1956.

Prior to the regiment’s deployment Charlton provided an emergency address for his brother. This address was The Charlton, 6 High Street, Ospringe, Faversham, Kent.

Major Charlton served in Libya until the 9^th of September 1957 when he returned to the U.K. and took up residence at 5, Talavera Road in Chiseldon, near Swindon. It appears that after returning to the U.K. from Libya, 22 Field Engineer Regiment joined the 3^rd Infantry Division at Chiseldon.

Home Service (1957-1959)

On the 3^rd of November 1959 Major Charlton left 22 Field Engineer Regiment and joined the Royal Engineers Depot at Chatham once again. This move was made in preparation for his leaving the Army. On the 1^st of December 1959 he was struck off the strength of the R.E. Depot to relinquish his commission on the completion of his military service. The London Gazette of 1 December 1959 announced that he would be granted the rank of Major (Quartermaster). His service in the ranks was reckoned at 17 years and 151 days and his commissioned service at 16 years and 242 days, for a total of 34 years and 30 days.

The following sections in this work provide details of Major Charlton’s service in tabular form so that the reader can more easily reference different events that occurred during his military service.

4. MEDICAL INFORMATION

Charlton underwent a number of medical examinations during his time in service and the medical data obtained during these exams are shown below in terms of what is known as the PULHEMS system. The following is an explanation of that system and the results of Charlton’s examinations are shown in the table below. A modified system is still in use today.[xli]

In 1945 the British Army had adopted the Canadian system of medical evaluation, known as PULHEMS. The PULHEMS acronym stands for the following qualities: P – physical capacity, U – upper extremity, L – locomotion, H – hearing, E – eyesight, M – mental capacity, S – stability of emotions.

For each quality, the soldier was given a number. From this, a PULHHEEMS profile, a series of numbers, was derived. An extra H and an extra E had been introduced so that each ear and eye could be assessed separately.[xlii] This profile was (and is) used to place soldiers in an appropriate employment by the use of PULHHEEMS Employment Standards which provide a linkage to the type of work carried out by each part of the Army and includes geographical restrictions. The following is a simplification of the current British Army’s PULHHEEMS System, which has developed over 50 years: P2 – fully fit, P3 – light duties, P7 – limited duties, P8 – medically unfit, P0 – unfit, under medical care. As the number in each category got higher, the individual was less fit; however, a soldier was not placed on light duties until P3 was reached or on limited duties until P7 was reached. The P quality for overall physical capacity is the dominant one.

Major Herbert Alfred Charlton’s Medical Profile (1948-1959)

Date	P	U	L	H	E	E	M	S	P.E.S.
23 Feb 1948	3	2	3	1	1	1	2	2	FE
3 Sep 1954	3	2	3	1	1	1	2	2	FE
18 Feb 1955	3	2	3	2	1	1	2	2	LE
1 Apr 1958	3	2	3	2	1	1	2	2	LE
7 Oct 1959	3	2	3	2	2	2	2	2	LE

TABLE NOTES:

(1) Charlton was 42 years old when the first examination was recorded in 1948.

(2) His hearing was first noted to have diminished in 1955.

(3) His eyesight was first noted to have declined in 1959.

(4) His Physical Capacity (P) and his Locomotion (L) had already put him in the light duties category by 1948.

5. SUMMARY OF SERVICE

Promotions and Appointments

Promotions

Herbert Alfred Charlton received the following promotions during his time in service:

Date of Promotion	Rank
1925:	Private, The Buffs (East Kent Regiment)
1926:	Pioneer and then Sapper, Royal Engineers (upon transfer)
4 February 1930:	Lance Corporal, Royal Engineers
31 January 1934:	Corporal, Royal Engineers
6 January 1936:	Lance Sergeant, Royal Engineers
1941:	Warrant Officer Class II, Royal Engineers
1943:	Acting Warrant Officer Class I, Royal Engineers
7 April 1943:	Lieutenant (Quartermaster), Royal Engineers
7 April 1946:	Captain (Quartermaster), Royal Engineers
28 September 1953:	Major (Quartermaster), Royal Engineers

Appointments

Major Charlton received the following appointments during his time in service:

Date of Appointment	Rank or Position
1941:	Company Sergeant Major, Royal Engineers
1943:	Acting Regimental Sergeant Major, Royal Engineers
7 April 1943:	Quartermaster, 5 Base Workshops
23 June 1946:	Quartermaster, London Division Chief Engineer
10 March 1947:	Quartermaster, 108 Field Engineer Regiment
9 January 1951:	Quartermaster, 26 Field Engineer Regiment
9 January 1956:	Regimental Quartermaster, 22 Field Engineer Regiment

Education, Military Training and Qualifications

Education

Dates	Educational Achievements
17 November 1926	Awarded Third Class Certificate of Education
26 January 1928	Awarded Second Class Certificate of Education
23 March 1938	Awarded First Class Certificate of Education

Military Training

Charlton received the following military training during his time in service:

Dates	Course of Training
16 September 1926	Passed Trade Test for Pioneer (Bricklayer), Group F(*), Class II
6 March 1928	Passed Class III Test for Bricklayer
30 April 1931	Passed Trade Test for Bricklayer, Group B, Class II.
19 November 1936	Passed course in Geography towards First Class Certificate of Education
29 October 1937	Passed courses in English and Map Reading towards First Class Certificate of Education
31 January 1942	Completed the Signal Duties Wireless Telegraphy Course

Qualifications

Charlton earned the following qualifications by test or by experience during his time in service.

Date	Qualification
10 September 1926	Pioneer (Bricklayer), Group E – Class III
16 September 1926	Pioneer (Bricklayer), Group F(*), Class II
2 November 1928	Re-Mustered as a Bricklayer, Group B, Class III
30 September 1933	Recruit Party Non-Commissioned Officer
31 January 1935	Wing Commander, Army Technical School (Boys)
30 April 1938	Bricklayer Instructor, Army Technical School (Boys)
1 December 1939	Company Sergeant Major
7 April 1943	Regimental Sergeant Major

6. MEDALS, AWARDS AND DECORATIONS

By the end of the Second World War Major Charlton had received the 1939-45 Star, the France & Germany Star, War Medal and Defence Medal.[xliii] In June of 1953 he participated in the coronation ceremonies of Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II for which he was awarded the Coronation Medal 1953.[xliv].

Date	Medal or Award
1945:	1939-45 Star (un-named as issued)
1945:	France & Germany Star (un-named as issued)
1945:	Defence Medal (un-names as issued)
1945:	War Medal (un-named as issued)
1953:	Coronation Medal 1953 (un-named as issued)
1943:	Army Long Service and Good Conduct Medal (GVIR) with bar [REGULAR ARMY] named to LIEUT. QM. H.A. CHARLTON. R.E.

7. MARRIAGE AND PERSONAL INFORMATION

Herbert Alfred Charlton married Emily Gwendoline Prickett, age 25, at Tidenham, Gloucestershire on the 18^th of April 1938 while he was serving at the Army Technical School (Boys) in Chepstow, Gwent. Their residence at the time of their marriage was listed as Forest of Dean, Gloucestershire.[xlv] The marriage ceremony took place at St. John’s Church in Beachley and was performed by Vicar George R. Newman. Emily’s father, Robert Charles Prickett, was a fisherman. Witnesses to the wedding were one Lawrence George Hill and Elsie Emma Watkins.

Charlton’s residence prior to their marriage is listed on their marriage certificate as Beachley Camp.

Emily gave birth to a son, Raymond Keith Charlton, on the 26^th of July 1941. Raymond was born at Lydney and District Hospital on Grove Road in Lydney, Gloucestershire.

Charlton’s father died on the 1^st of March 1949 at 44 Twelve Acres, Willesborough, Ashford, Kent, while Herbert was serving with 108 Field Engineer Regiment.[xlvi]

Tragically, the Charlton’s young son Raymond, died on the 24^th of January 1950 of meningitis at the age of 9 years at Newport, Monmouthshire, Wales also while Herbert was with 108 Field Engineer Regiment.[xlvii]

Herbert’s brother, William George Charlton, died on the 24^th of May 1968 in Willesborough, Kent. William had served in World War 2 and a number of photographs of him were found on the Charlton family tree. He served in the The Buffs (Royal East Kent Regiment) during the war, as might have been expected since the Charlton family had deep roots in the County of Kent and Herbert also had served in the The Buffs in 1925.

8. RELEASE FROM SERVICE

Charlton retired from the Army on the 1^st of December 1959 as a Major (Quartermaster) (AODO). His total service was reckoned as shown in the tables below:

Location	Period of Service
Home	10 November 1925 -11 August 1927
Germany	12 August 1927 – 29 November 1929
Home	30 November 1929 – 21 September 1939
France	22 September 1939 – 4 June 1940
Home	5 June 1940 – 14 July 1944
North West Europe	15 July 1944 – 23 March 1946
Home	24 March 1946 – 6 January 1951
Germany	7 January 1951 – 21 November 1955
Home	22 November 1955 – 8 January 1956
Libya	9 January 1956 – 2 November 1959
Home	3 November 1959 – 1 December 1959
Location	Period of Service
Home Service	20 years and 251 days
Service Abroad	13 years and 144 days
Total Service	34 years and 30 days

9. POST SERVICE LIFE

Little is known about Major Charlton after his retirement from the Army. He returned to his home in Chepstow where his wife had been residing since his assignment to the Army Technical School and all during the war years.

Herbert Alfred Charlton, who was known as “Bert” to his friends and family, died on the 4th of December 1984 at the age of 77 years.[xlviii] His place of death is listed as Frenchay Hospital, Bristol, in the County of Avon. The causes of his death were listed as renal failure and chronic pyelonephritis.[xlix] His wife Gwendoline is listed as the informant of his death. His death was registered in Bristol on the 5th of December 1984 and was certified by A. Holmes, MB.[l]

Funeral services were held for Major Charlton on the 10th of December 1984 at St. John’s Church, Beachley, Chepstow and his remains were cremated at Canford Crematorium in Bristol.[li]

Charlton’s will was probated at Llandaff, Wales on the 19th of April 1985 leaving the sum of 46,379 Pounds to his wife.

REFERENCES

Army Lists

1. Monthly Army List, June 1926, p. 395.

2. Monthly Army List, August 1956, p. 604v.

Books

1. BLAXLAND, G. Destination Dunkirk: The Story of Gort’s Army. Military Book Society, London, 1973.

2. JOSLEN, H.F. Orders of Battle: Second World War, 1939-1945. The London Stamp Exchange, London, 1990.

3. PAKENHAM-WALSH, R.P. History of the Corps of Royal Engineers, 1939-1945. Volume VIII. The Institution of Royal Engineers, Chatham, 1958.

Census

1. 1881 Census of England and Wales.

2. 1891 Census of England and Wales.

3. 1901 Census of England and Wales.

4. 1911 Census of England and Wales.

Documents

1. England and Wales Death Index, 1916-2005.

2. Certified Copy of an Entry of Death, QDX 186542, General Register Office, England.

3. England and Wales Marriage Index, 1837-1915.

4. Marriage Banns, Tidenham, Gloucestershire, 1938.

5. Marriage Certificate, April 1938.

6. Electoral Register, Forest of Dean, 1938.

7. Probate calendar, 1985.

8. England Select Deaths and Burials, 1538-1991.

9. England Select Marriages, 1538-1973.

10. England and Wales National Probate Calendar (Index of Wills and Administrations), 1858-1966.

11. England and Wales Select Births and Christenings, 1535-1975.

Family Trees

1. Charlton Family Tree.

https://www.ancestry.com/family-tree/person/tree/20832847/person/18016224402/facts?_phsrc=EgL3857&_phstart=successSource

2. Taylor Family Tree:

https://www.ancestry.com/family-tree/person/tree/40787480/person/19560429997/facts?_phsrc=EgL3879&_phstart=successSource

Internet Sites

1. Friends of Lydney Hospital.

https://www.facebook.com/pg/Friends-of-Lydney-Hospital-665955966797066/posts/

2. Imperial War Museum Art Collection. https://www.iwm.org.uk/collections/item/object/5292

3. 22^nd Engineer Regiment (United Kingdom).

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/22_Engineer_Regiment_(United_Kingdom)

4. Kent Fallen.

http://www.kentfallen.com/the%20buffs%20pages.html

5. 7 Field Company Royal Engineers 1920 to 1923

http://www.shiny7.uk/1920-1938.html

London Gazette

1. Supplement to the London Gazette, 7 May 1943, p. 2044.

2. Supplement to the London Gazette, 14 March 1947, p. 1203.

3. London Gazette, No. 38134, 28 November 1947.

4. London Gazette, 14 March 1953.

5. London Gazette, 1 December 1959.

Maps

1. Kent Street Maps. Geographers’ A-Z Map Co., Ltd., London, 1993.

2. Letts Roadbook of Britain. Charles Letts and Company, Limited, 1977.

Official Reports

Medical Classification by Categories. In: Crew F A E, editor. The Army Medical Services, Administration. Vol. 1. Chapter 11. Medical History of the Second World War. London: Her Majesty’s Stationery Office, 1953:330-82.2. Whiting R E. Ministry of Labour.

Periodicals

1. The Monthly Army List, June 1925.

2. The Monthly Army List, August 1949.

3. The Monthly Army List, August 1956.

4. The Monthly Army List, September 1959.

5. The Royal Engineers Quarterly List, January 1933, p. xxi.

6. The Royal Engineers Quarterly List, April 1934, p. xxi.

7. The Royal Engineers Quarterly List, October 1934, p. xxi.

8. The Royal Engineers Quarterly List, January 1935, p. xxi.

9. The Royal Engineers List, 1943.

10. The Sapper, September 1924, pp. 58 and 59.

11. The Sapper, February 1931, p. 188.

12. The Sapper, December 1932.

13. The Sapper, February 1933, p. 184.

14. The Sapper, June 1934.

15. The Sapper, November 1935, p. 97.

16. The Sapper, March 1936.

17. The Sapper, January 1937, p. 166.

18. The Sapper, May 1947.

19. The Sapper, April 1949, p. 166.

20. The Sapper, January 1950, p. 112.

21. The Sapper, January 1951, p. 132.

22. The Sapper, August 1951, p. 289.

23. The Sapper, May 1952, p. 4.

24. The Sapper, January 1953 (see full page in the text).

25. The Sapper, February 1954, p. 212.

26. The Sapper, August 1956, p. 77.

27. The South Wales Argus, December 6, 1984. Newport, 1984.

Service Papers (55 pages)

1. Army Form E. 501, Attestation in the 4^th Battalion, The Buffs, Territorial Force. Copies of original and duplicate forms.

2. Identification on Enlistment. Copies of original and duplicate forms.

3. Statement of Services (The Buffs) – 10 November 1925.

4. Statement of Services (The Buffs) – 9 September 1926

5. Statement of Services (The Buffs) – 30 September 1926.

6. Statement of Services (The Buffs) (Army Form B. 200).

7. Military History Sheet (The Buffs).

8. Army Form B. 271. Attestation in the Royal Engineers, Regular Army. Copies of Original and Duplicate forms.

9. Military History Sheet (Royal Engineers).

10. Military History Sheet (Royal Engineers): Certified true extract.

11. Description on Enlistment (Royal Engineers). Copies of Original and Duplicate forms.

12. Statement of Services (Royal Engineers) (Army Form B.200B).

13. Statement of Services (Royal Engineers) (Army Form B.200B): Certified true extract.

14. Statement of Services (Royal Engineers) with Receipt for Will (Army Form W.3664).

15. Territorial Army Agreement for Service Outside the United Kingdom after Embodiment (Army Form E. 501b).

16. Notification of Appointment to Paid Lance Corporal on the General Roster, dated 11 February 1930.

17. Certificate of Trade Proficiency (Army Form B. 197), dated 16 September 1926.

18. Certificate of Trade Proficiency (Army Form B. 197), dated 9 March 1928.

19. Certificate of Trade Proficiency (Army Form B. 197), dated 11 May 1931.

20. War Office note to The Officer i/c Records, R.E., dated 21 April 1943, re: Commission of Acting RSM H.A. Charlton, R.E.

21. Discharge Cards (originals and duplicates).

22. Employment Sheet (Army Form B. 2066.

23. Annual Report and Employment Sheet (Sheet No. One), 15-10-1930 to 15-9-1937.

24. Trade of Employment Whilst With The Colours (Army Form B.2066C).

25. Record of Service-Officers (Army Form B199A).

26. Letter from Major H.A. Charlton to O.C. 26 Field Engineer Regiment, dated 11 September 1954, re: Application to Extend Commission.

27. Memorandum from Director of Personnel Administration to HQ B.A.O.R., dated 10 November 1953, re: Request to remain as QM of 26 Field Engineer Regiment.

28. Long Service and Good Conduct Medal Certificate.

29. Army Form B. 2089. Form of Will.

Web Sites

1. Unit Histories: http://www.unithistories.com/units_british/51InfDiv.html

2. 7 Field Company Royal Engineers 1920 to 1938. http://www.shiny7.uk/1920-1938.html

(This is an excellent web site showing the duties of the company and the BAOR during the post Great War occupation).

3. Tidenham History Group. http://tidenhamhistory.co.uk/beachley/st-john-the-evangelist-beachley/

4. Royal Engineers Museum. https://www.facebook.com/RoyalEngineersMuseum/posts/sapper-300-ubique-sappers-at-dunkirk-this-week-76-years-ago-saw-british-french-a/10154212016232354/

5. WW2 Talk (BrianM59). http://ww2talk.com/index.php?threads/info-on-y-list-please.61446/

6. British Army units from 1945 on. http://british-army-units1945on.co.uk/royal-engineers/regiments---major-units/22-regiment.html

7. Canford Cemetery and Crematorium. https://www.accessable.co.uk/venues/canford-cemetery-and-crematorium

8. Geni. https://www.geni.com/people/George-Goschen-2nd-Viscount-Goschen-GCSI-GCIE/6000000011338159929