ROWLEY Charlse Edward

Born on 09/10/1898 Charles Edward was the son of William and Maria Ann Rowley. He was baptised at St. Mary’s church on 13/11/1898. On the baptismal register William was described as being a labourer. The family was living at 17, Nelson Street.

The 1901 census gives the address as 70, Nelson Street. William’s occupation is given as a bricklayer’s Labourer. Two boys William aged 4 years and Charles Edward aged 2 years. Also living with them is Rose Louisa Rowley aged 21 William senior’s sister.

Still in Nelson Street the 1911 census shows William senior still in the same occupation while William junior is out of work.Charles is 12 years old and at school. There is also a daughter aged 9 years.

Charles joined the navy in Portsmouth on the twelfth of October 1916. His record shows he served on Victory 1, from 12th of October 1916 to 2nd of January 1917. He then served on HMS Temeraire from 29th of January 1917 to August 7th 1917.

On both vessels his conduct was recorded as being VG ( very good). He is described physically as being five foot three and a quarter inches tall.his chest measurement was 35 inches,
Hair dark brown, eyes brown and his complexion
Fresh. Distinguishing marks were a scar on the left side of his forehead and on the bridge of his nose. His occupation prior to joining the navy was given as a baker.

Charles died on 07/08/1917. His naval death record states where he is buried date of birth, date of death and relatives names. Under cause of death it gives :3. Another transcription says he died of disease . On his naval joining up papers it says he had pneumonia. The inscription on the family grave says he died in Queensferry hospital.

Charles is interred in Dean Road Cemetery,where he has a commonwealth war gravestone in the family plot. He is also commemorated on Oliver’s Mount War Memorial.