Charles Ernest Bailey

Rank 
Rifleman
Regiment 
London Regiment (City of London Rifles)
Date of death 
24 July 1917
Age of death 
30
Address 
The Delves
Turpins Lane
Chigwell
Essex
Postcode Unknown
Address source 
1911 Census
Cemetery / Memorial 
Belgium
Biography 

Born in 1887 at Chigwell, son of Harry (a postman) and Charlotte L. Bailey. He was the eldest of the Bailey boys and girls. In 1901 he is listed as a Telegraphic Messenger, living with his family at Hainault Road, Chigwell. In 1911 he is a Postman, probably visiting his sister Annie Louisa Bailey who was a Housekeeper to Sarah Ann Page at “The Delves” Turpins Lane, Chigwell. In 1911 he married Annie Wilkin and moved to Twickenham.

He enlisted in 6 London Regiment which was based at 57A Farringdon Road, Clerkenwell. On 30th September 1916 he was in France with a draft of replacements at Albert on the Somme, as part of 140 Brigade of 47 Division. He moved in October 1916 to the Ypres Salient, being involved in the Battle of Messines, spending two weeks in the line holding a position south of the Ypres Comines Canal, and North West of Hollebeke.

A night raid prompted a German daytime response on 24th July 1917 involving artillery shells and gas canisters, which was concentrated around that part of the line held by the London Division. 6 Londons were due to be relieved on 24 September 1917, but due to a delay they were required to remain in their trenches as the shelling continued. They were relieved by 11 Royal West Kents at 02.30 on 25th July 1917, but unfortunately by then Charles Bailey was dead, killed by the German barrage.

His widow later relocated to “Hazelmere," at Alresford in Essex. Charles was the second of the three Bailey boys to be lost, and is also remembered on the Chigwell War Memorial.

X/R:  Acting Sergeant Harry Norman Bailey and Private Frederick Arthur (Brothers).

Research by Adrian Lee, Local Historian

Sources:

Ancestry.com

Woodford Times

“Marching Off To War”