Charles John Bunker died of wounds on this day in 1918

Charles John Bunker was born on 27 June 1893 at Catford in Kent. His father was John Thomas Bunker, a general labourer, and his mother was Ada Amelia (née Brigden). They lived at 20 Burford Road, Perry Hill, Catford, London.

In 1901, Charles was living in Sydenham with his mother and younger brother John. His father doesn't appear in the 1901 Census.

Charles was educated at the Kilmorie Road County Council School in Forest Hill.

In 1911, age 18, he was living with his father, mother, younger brother and sister at the family home in Perry Hill. He is described as an errand boy for a newsagent.

In 1914, Charles married Ellen Georgina Gedge in Lewisham and, on 5 April 1915, their son, Charles John, was born. Sadly, two weeks later, on 20 April 1915, Charles' younger brother John died. He had enlisted in the East Surrey Regiment in July 1912. He went to France in August 1914 and was killed whilst on outpost duty near Hill 60. He is commemorated on the Menin Gate in Ypres.

On 7 April 1916, Charles enlisted in the Northumberland Fusiliers.

On 12 June 1918, Ellen gave birth to their daughter, Agnes Ada.

Charles served in France from June 1916,  taking part in fighting during the Battle of The Somme including the capture of Le Sars. In 1917, he took part in the Battles of Messines, Menin Road, Polygon Wood and Passchendaele. 

In November 1917, the Battalion moved to Italy, concentrating between Mantua and Marcaria.

On 28 October 1918, Charles died of wounds received in action on the Italian Front. He was buried in Giavera British Cemetery at Arcade.

31773 Private Charles John Bunker, 11th (Service) Battalion, Northumberland Fusiliers