Charles Henry Gill was killed in action on this day in 1917.
Charles Gill was born in Bradley, Yorkshire in 1896, the son of Amos (a warp dresser) and Annie.
At the 1911 Census the family were living at 49 St John St, Silsden, nr Keighley, Yorkshire. Older brother and Victor, ages 16 and 14, were 'clog iron makers'.
Charles enlisted on 2nd March 1916 and was called up for service on 1 February 1917. He spent two months in the Home Reserve.
According to his Medical History he was 5ft 6 inches tall and weighed 127 lbs (approx: 9st or 58 kg) His level of fitness was considered 'good'.
Charles was drafted to France with the 8/Y&L on 26 April 1917 and arrived in Etaples on 27 April.
On 13 May transferred to the Yorks & Lancs. Less than two weeks later he was killed in action in the Ypres Salient on 25 May 1917.
Charles is buried in Railway Dugouts Burial Ground (Transport Farm), Zillebeke, West Flanders, where his headstone is marked by a special memorial 'believed to be buried in this cemetery'.
He had served 83 days at home and 31 days in France.
He left behind his mother and father, Amos and Annie, and brothers Victor and Frank. Five months after being informed of his death his father wrote asking if the following missing articles had been found: a watch, a purse containing three compartments and several new handkerchiefs.
16077 Pte Charles Henry Gill
25 May 1917
Research by David O'Mara.
Sources: 1911 England Census.