| Description | Work completed by volunteer includes the following information
Charles was born in Beverley in 1892, one of nine children born to James Palmer Holmes (1842-1925) and his wife Clara (nee Elvidge) (1847-1935) from Thearne. Charles was brought up on Brougham’s Row, Beckside and Taylor’s Yard, Flemingate. Later the family lived at 6 Beckside (Potter Hill). Charles’ father was a tanyard labourer, Charles became a farm worker-a waggoner. In the 1911 census he was recorded as working at the Wallis Grange Farm of William Nendrick at Etton. He was unmarried.
Charles joined the army, enlisting in York, he served as a private in the 14th King’s Hussars, part of the Household Cavalry and Cavalry of the Line. The 14th began the war in India and it is not known if Charles served there. They were part of the 6th Division Indian Cavalry which moved to Iraq (Mesopotamia) in Nov 1915. Charles is recorded as having arrived there on 14 Nov 1915. The campaign was against the Ottoman Turks. The campaign began in Basra and moved north up the Tigris river. The 14th were involved at all stages but were unable to breakthrough to besieged British and Indian troops in Kut-el-Amara. British forces there surrendered on 29 Apr 1916. The 14th were in the vicinity and were badly affected by disease particularly dysentery, malaria, jaundice and fever. Charles died on May 4th 1916 and his body was not recovered.
Charles is commemorated on the Basra Memorial to the Missing in Iraq. He is also commemorated on the Hengate Memorial and on the East Riding Memorial in Beverley Minster. He was awarded the 1914-15 Star and the War and Victory Medals. |