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Charles BRANSTON

Main CPGW Record

Surname: BRANSTON

Forename(s): Charles

Place of Birth: Skipton, Yorkshire

Service No: 13736

Rank: Private

Regiment / Corps / Service: Duke of Wellington’s (West Riding Regiment)

Battalion / Unit: 2nd Battalion

Division: 4th Division

Age: 20

Date of Death: 1916-10-12

Awards: ---

CWGC Grave / Memorial Reference: Pier and Face 6 A and 6 B.

CWGC Cemetery: ---

CWGC Memorial: THIEPVAL MEMORIAL

Non-CWGC Burial: ---

Local War Memorial: SKIPTON, YORKSHIRE

Additional Information:

Charles Branston was the son of James and Hannah Branston, née Cartman. James was born at Clifton upon Dunsmore, Warwickshire and Hannah at Skipton, Yorkshire. Charles was the cousin of Private Frederick William Cartman (2763) (q.v.) and Private Thomas Boothman Cartman (13733) (q.v.).

1901 Skipton, Yorkshire Census: 5 Gladstone Street - Charles Branston, aged 5 years, born Skipton, son of James and Hannah Branston. [Also living at the same address were Hannah's mother, Rebecca Cartman; sister, Ellen A. Cartman and her son, Thomas B. Cartman.]

1911 Skipton, Yorkshire Census: 27, Brook Street - Charlie Branston, aged 15 years, born Skipton, son of Hannah Branston, widow. [Thomas Cartman, Hannah's nephew, was also living there.]

Charles and his cousin Thomas Boothman Cartman had been raised together - see 'Craven Herald' (11 August 1916). They enlisted in the 10th (Service) Bn Duke of Wellington's (West Riding Regiment). Both were wounded, Thomas mortally, near Contalmaison village on the 10 July 1916. After recovering Charles did not re-join the 10th Battalion.

British Army WW1 Medal Rolls Index Cards: Pte Charles Branston, 13736, W. Rid. R. Theatre of War first served in: (1) France. Date of entry therein: 26.8.15. K. in A. 12.10.16.

British Army WW1 Medal and Award Rolls: Pte Charles Branston, 13736, 10th W. Rid. R.; 2nd W. Rid. R. K. in A. 12.10.16.

Army Registers of Soldiers' Effects: Pte Charles Branston, 13736, 2nd Bn W. Riding. Date and Place of Death: 12.10.16. France. To whom Authorised/Amount Authorised: Mother Sole Legatee - Hannah. £15 2s. 0d.

UK, WW1 Pension Ledgers and Index Cards, 1914-1923: joint card(s) exist for Charles Branston and Thomas Boothman Cartman. Name(s) on card(s): Mrs Hannah Branston, born 1863. Relationship [to Charles]: Mother. Relationship [to Thomas]: Aunt. Address: 27, Brook Street, Skipton, Yorks. Mrs Ellen Rishworth [no relationship given]. Address: Woodside Farm, Silsden, Nr Keighley.

Data Source: Craven’s Part in the Great War - original CPGW book entry

View Entry in CPGW Book

Entry in West Yorkshire Pioneer Illustrated War Record:

BRANSTON, Charlie, aged 20, West Riding Regt., son of Mrs. Branston, 27, Brook Street, Skipton], killed in action Oct. 12, 1916.

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Private Charles BRANSTON

Private Charles BRANSTON

Regiment / Corps / Service Badge: Duke of Wellington’s (West Riding Regiment)

Regiment / Corps / Service Badge: Duke of Wellington’s (West Riding Regiment)

Divisional Sign / Service Insignia: 4th Division

Divisional Sign / Service Insignia: 4th Division

Data from Soldiers Died in the Great War 1914 - 1919 Records

Soldiers Died Data for Soldier Records

Surname: BRANSTON

Forename(s): Charles

Born: Skipton

Residence: Skipton, Yorks

Enlisted: Skipton

Number: 13736

Rank: Private

Regiment: Duke of Wellington's (West Riding Regiment)

Battalion: 2nd Battalion

Decorations:

Died Date: 12/10/16

Died How: Killed in action

Theatre of War: France & Flanders

Notes:

Data from Commonwealth War Graves Commission Records

CWGC Data for Soldier Records

Surname: BRANSTON

Forename(s): Charles

Country of Service: United Kingdom

Service Number: 13736

Rank: Private

Regiment: Duke of Wellington's (West Riding Regiment)

Unit: 2nd Bn.

Age: 20

Awards:

Died Date: 12/10/1916

Additional Information: Son of Mrs. Branston, of 17, Brook St., Skipton, Yorks., and the late Mr. J. Branston.

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BRITISH BATTALIONS ON THE SOMME, by Ray Westlake (Pen & Sword Books Limited 1994)

2nd Bn. Duke of Wellington's (West Riding Regiment)

Moved forward via Bernafay Wood to Flers Line (9/10). Attack near Lesbœufs (Spectrum Trench) (12/10) - forming with 2nd Lancashire Fusiliers part of assaulting force. Casualties - 342.

[Charles Branston was killed in the attack on Spectrum Trench, 12th October 1916.]

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Additional Photo(s) For Soldier Records

Unknown platoon of 'A' Company, 10th (Service) Battalion, Duke of Wellington's (West Riding Regiment), Aldershot, 1914

Unknown platoon of 'A' Company, 10th (Service) Battalion, Duke of Wellington's (West Riding Regiment), Aldershot, 1914

Photograph sent home to his parents at Bolton by Bowland by Pte Henry (Harry) Valance Killeen (13738). Henry is standing, with his hands behind his back, 11th from right. His brother, Pte Reginald Victor Whiteley Killeen (q.v.), was killed in action on the 25 January 1916

Courtesy of Paula Ann Payne (née Bailey), Barnoldswick

'A' Company, 10th (Service) Battalion The Duke of Wellington’s (West Riding Regiment), Bramshott, August, 1915

'A' Company, 10th (Service) Battalion The Duke of Wellington’s (West Riding Regiment), Bramshott, August, 1915

Courtesy of Bernard Ideson

Names of identified officers and other ranks on above photograph

Names of identified officers and other ranks on above photograph

Private Charles Branston

Private Charles Branston

Courtesy of Dr Bill Smith (Aireville Academy, Skipton)

Private Charles Branston

Private Charles Branston

Colourised image of Private Charles Branston from the book: ‘KITCHENER’S MOB - THE NEW ARMY TO THE SOMME’ by Peter Doyle and Chris Foster (2016)

Courtesy of Dr Bill Smith (Aireville Academy, Skipton)

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View Craven Herald Articles

Craven Herald and Wensleydale Standard Logo

28 July 1916

SKIPTON MEN WOUNDED

Pte. Charlie Branston, of the West Ridings, son of Mrs. Branston, of 27, Brook Street, Skipton, has received a gunshot wound in the knee and is being nursed in the Australian General Hospital in France. Before enlisting, he was employed at Messrs. Lipton's Ltd., Skipton.

11 August 1916

THE LATE PTE. T. B. CARTMAN OF SKIPTON - LETTERS FROM TWO COMRADES

Official news of the death of Pte. T.B. Cartman of Skipton, which was referred to in our last issue, was received on Tuesday. Letters have also been received by his relatives from two of his comrades, both of which indicate the high esteem in which deceased was held by the men in A Company of the 10th Duke of Wellington's Regiment.

From a letter written by Pte. T. Greenwood, we take the following:- "It is with a heavy heart that I write these few sorrowful words of your Tommy's death, which occurred in hospital on Wednesday, July 12th, at which place they buried him. On Monday morning previous, we shared a parcel and had a few happy minutes together. That night we moved into the trenches on our way to the village. Both your Charlie and Tommy were hit, Charlie very slightly in the knee. I was close to him and we shook hands before he turned to walk back to the dressing station. It was not until the following afternoon that I heard Tommy had got hit. I am sorry I don't know any particulars of his death and funeral. I scarcely know how to express my feelings for I have lost the very best pal I ever had, and I ask you to bear up and face it, if not with a smile, with a good heart and keep your trust in Him above, who guides us in all things. All the platoon join in with their sympathy."

Pte. J. W. Atkinson, another Skipton soldier, has written as follows:- "I cannot tell you how sorry I am to hear about poor Tommy dying from his wounds. He was very badly wounded in the legs when we carried him out on the stretcher, but we did our level best for him. There were a lot of killed and wounded lying all over the trench, but we got them all away as quickly as possible. I thought it my duty to write to you with carrying him out, and being a lad I have known for years. I am pleased to say Charlie only got a slight wound and will soon be back again. He helped us to carry Tom out of the trenches to the dressing station and he worked very hard. I am sorry to say we have had two Skipton lads die from wounds, the other one being Clifford Unwin, who got badly wounded in the big advance. The Germans lost very heavily and had a lot both killed and wounded and we also took a lot of prisoners."

Pte. Cartman was the son of Mrs. Rishworth, of Wood Side Farm, Silsden, and resided for many years with his aunt Mrs. Branston, in Brook Street, Skipton. He enlisted on the outbreak of war; prior to which he was employed by Messrs. Lipton's, High Street, Skipton.

03 November 1916

SKIPTON'S ROLL OF HONOUR - PTE. CHARLIE BRANSTON KILLED

Another fine young Skipton soldier has made the supreme sacrifice - Pte. Charlie Branston, of the Duke of Wellington's West Riding Regiment, and son of Mrs. Branston, of 27, Brook Street, Skipton. This is Mrs. Branston's second bereavement, her nephew, Pte. T. B. Cartman, who lived with her for many years, having died from wounds in July last. The sad news respecting her son was received on Saturday morning, an official intimation from the War Office stating that he had been killed in action on October 12th. Deceased, who was only 20 years of age, was a fine specimen of manhood, and was nearly six feet in height. Formerly employed at Messrs. Lipton's Ltd., he enlisted with Captain Tunstill's men in September 1914, and went out to France thirteen months ago. He was wounded in July last, but had never been granted a leave since he went to the Front.

Deceased and his cousin, Pte. Cartman, were both employed at Messrs. Lipton's Ltd. They enlisted together, did their training together, and were both wounded on July 10th.

Pte. Branston was a member of the Skipton Branch of the National Amalgamated Union of Shop Assistants, Warehousemen and Clerks, and in a letter to his mother, Mr. George L. Haigh, secretary of the local Branch, writes:- "It is with the regret of myself and all the members of the above Branch that I offer you my deepest sympathy in the loss of your gallant son in action. It seems hard lines that after being so long in France he should meet the same fate as Tom, but I sincerely hope you will bear up in your loss. He was one of the best of men to work with either at business or for the Union. To this I can testify. I can hardly realise it yet, the news coming to me as a great surprise, although I could not understand not hearing from him for over three weeks."

12 October 1917

BRANSTON - In loving memory of Private Charlie Branston, killed in action October 12th 1916.

"May his reward be greater than his sacrifice."

From his Mother, Sisters and Brothers.

02 May 1919

PHILLIP - In loving memory of our dear brothers, Driver Lewis Phillip, Embsay, who fell in action 28th April, 1918, also Privates Charles Branston and Tom [Cartman], who paid the supreme sacrifice in 1916.

Goodbye, brothers! Ah the parting was hard,
'Twas duty that called you to go.
For when England was calling for soldiers
You were hardly the ones to say "No."
Do you think we could ever have loved you,
If we thought you were boys who would lag,
When your comrades were willing and ready,
To fight for our homes and the Flag?

From their loving sister Nellie at Embsay and brother Harry in France.

[Ellen Hannah Phillip and Henry Cartman Branston were married in 1909.]

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21 July 1916

CRAVEN CASUALTIES IN THE GREAT ADVANCE - Skipton Soldiers Wounded

Pte. T. B. Cartman, who resides at 27 Brook Street, Skipton, and of the 10th Battalion Duke of Wellington's (headquarters staff), has been wounded in action. A letter has been received by his parents from Private C. Branston (cousin of Private Cartman), stating that Pte. Cartman had been wounded. Pte. Cartman enlisted on the outbreak of war, and has been in France for 11 months. Before enlistment he was employed by Messrs. Lipton, High Street, Skipton, as shop assistant.

28 July 1916

CRAVEN CASUALTIES IN THE GREAT ADVANCE

News has been received that Pte. C. Branston, of the West Riding Regiment, and son of Mrs. Branston, of 27 Brook Street, Skipton, has received a gun-shot wound in the knee, and has been admitted to an Australian General Hospital in France. Prior to the war he was employed by Messrs. Lipton's Limited, Skipton.

11 August 1916

DEATH OF PTE. T.B. CARTMAN

Official information of the death of Pte. T.B. Cartman of the 10th Duke of Wellington's West Riding Regiment, and who resided with his aunt, Mrs. Branston, in Brook Street, Skipton, was received on Tuesday last. Pte. T. Greenwood, of the same regiment, states:- "It is with a heavy heart that I write these few sorrowful words of your Tommy's death, which occurred in hospital on Wednesday, July 12th, at which place they buried him. On the Monday morning previous, we shared a parcel and had a few happy minutes together. That night we moved into the trenches on our way to the village. Both your Charlie and Tommy were hit, Charlie very slightly in the knee. I was close to him and we shook hands before he turned to walk back to the dressing station. It was not until the following afternoon that I heard Tommy had got hit. I am sorry to say I don't know any particulars of his death and funeral, beyond what I have stated, but you will no doubt either hear from the hospital or from the chaplain. I scarcely know how to express my feelings, for I have lost the very best pal I ever had, and I ask you to bear up and face it, if not with a smile, with a good heart and keep your trust in Him above, who guides us in all things. All the platoon joins in with their sympathy."

Pte. J. W. Atkinson, another Skipton soldier, writes:- "I cannot tell you how sorry I am to hear about poor Tommy dying from his wounds. He was very badly wounded in the legs when we carried him out on the stretcher, but we did our level best for him. There were a lot of killed and wounded lying all over the trench, but we got them all away as quickly as possible. I thought it my duty to write to you with carrying him out, and being a lad I have known for years. I am pleased to say Charlie only got a slight wound and will soon be back again. He helped us to carry Tom out of the trenches to the dressing station and he worked very hard. I am sorry to say we have had two Skipton lads die from wounds, the other one being Clifford Unwin. The Germans lost very heavily and had a lot both killed and wounded, and we also took a lot of prisoners."

Pte. Cartman was the son of Mrs. Rishworth, of Woodside Farm, Silsden. He enlisted on the outbreak of war, and had been in France about 11 months. Before enlistment he was employed by Messrs. Lipton's, High Street, Skipton, as a shop assistant.

03 November 1916

BRANSTON - October 12th, in France, Pte. Charlie Branston, of the West Riding Regiment, son of Mrs. Branston, of 27, Brook Street, Skipton, aged 20 years.

03 November 1916

SKIPTON SOLDIER KILLED

Mrs. Branston, of 27, Brook Street, Skipton, received official word from the War Office on Saturday morning last that her son, Pte. Charlie Branston, of the Duke of Wellington's West Riding Regiment, was killed in action on October 12th. Pte. Branston enlisted in September 1914, and went out to France about 13 months ago with Captain Tunstill's men. He was wounded on July 12th last, and had never once been home since going to the Front. Prior to joining the forces he was employed at Messrs. Lipton's Ltd., Skipton. Pte. Branston, who was only 20 years of age, was a well-built young man, and stood nearly 6ft.

In a letter to Mrs. Branston, Mr. George L. Haigh, secretary of the Skipton branch of the National Amalgamated Union of Shop Assistants, Warehousemen and Clerks, writes:- "It is with the regret of myself and all the members of the above branch that I offer you my deepest sympathy in the loss of your gallant son in action. It seems hard lines that after so long out in France he should meet the same fate as Tom, but I sincerely hope you will bear up in your loss. He was one of the best of men to work with either at business or for the Union. To this I can testify. I can hardly realise it yet, as the news came to me as a great surprise, although I could not understand not hearing from him for over three weeks."

Mrs. Branston's nephew, Pte. Tom B. Cartman, who was in the same regiment as Pte. Branston, was also killed in July last. It is rather a coincidence that the fallen heroes enlisted together, went out to France together, and were wounded together.

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