Robert CHARNOCK

'Clitheroe Advertiser' (25 May 1917)

(Kindly supplied by Shirley Penman of Clitheroe and Dorothy Falshaw of Gisburn)

FOR ENGLAND AND THE FUTURE

PRIVATE R. CHARNOCK LAYS DOWN HIS LIFE

Mr. Henry Charnock, of Edisford has drunk deeply of the cup of sorrow caused by the war. On the 23rd August, 1915, his son Harold, gave his life for King and Country, and, last week-end, the news was received of the death of his third son, Private Robert Charnock, 9th Duke of Wellington's West Riding Regiment. The melancholy intelligence was contained in a letter from the Rev. A. Edington, chaplain, as follows:- "I have a very sad duty to perform, and I do it with the greatest sympathy with you. I have to tell you that your son, Private Robert Charnock, was killed in action the other day. He, and all our men, were splendid, and he is a loss to his friends and to the regiment. I always feel that these times weigh heavier on you at home than on any of us out here, and especially on the parents, wives and sweethearts who make the greatest sacrifice of all by giving those they love for England and the future. Let me send you my sympathy, and assure you of my prayers." - Further information was conveyed in a letter to Miss Charnock, dated the 13th inst., from Pte. T.A. Sharman, who signed himself, "Bob's sincere chum." It ran as follows: "It is my sad duty to inform you that your brother, Bob, was killed inaction on the 10th of this month. He had been my chum ever since we were warned for the draft, and we were greatly attached to each other. His death, therefore, has been a great shock to me. Whenever it was possible, we were together, but, on the night of the 10th, we were placed in different sections of the trench. I did not know until the following morning that he was dead. Perhaps it will some slight consolation to you to know that he was killed instantaneously. A shell burst on the little dug-out where, one of our men told me, your brother was sleeping a few minutes before. He was a popular man with all who knew him, and I know how clean-living and straightforward he was. Although I had only known him since Xmas, we had grown to be like brothers and, the day before he died, he told me that if we came through this war, I should have to go and spend my holidays with him on the farm. May God give you strength to bear this terrible blow. I cannot say how deeply I sympathise with you." - The news will be received with great regret in the Whitewell district, Private Charnock having worked for Mr. W. Carr, Langden Holme since boyhood. He was 33 years of age and joined up in August last.

England & Wales, National Probate Calendar (Index of Wills and Administrations), 1858-1966

1917

CHARNOCK Robert of Edisford cottage Mitton Yorkshire a private in the West Riding regiment died 10 May 1917 in France Administration (with Will) Wakefield 15 September to Henry Charnock farm labourer. Effects £267.