Charles Shone was born circa 1894 and was baptised on the 16th September 1894 in All Saint’s Church, Gresford, the son of William & Emily Shone, Singret, and a Labourer.
Charles is seen for the first time on the 1901 census where the family were living at Singret Cottage, Llay, Denbighshire. (All spoke only English). Head of the household was William Shone, 42, a Stoker at the Colliery, born in Hawarden, Flintshire. His wife Emily, 39 had been born in Gwersyllt, Denbighshire as was their son William, 18 and single, who was a Colliery Labourer. Sons Richard, 15 a Groom and Robert, 11 had been born in Saltney, Flintshire. Charles, 6, Minnie, 4 and John, 8 months had been born in Gresford. So the family had moved quite a few times, most probably for work.
The 1911 census sees that the family had moved again to Glen Cottage, High Street, Gresford, Wrexham (5 rooms) and William, 52, still a Stoker and Emily, 47, born Summerhill, Gwersyllt tell us that they had been married 27 years and 9 children had been born to them, all still living. Richard, single and 26 was still a Groom, whereas Robert, 21 and single is a Shop Assistant at a Grocers & Butchers, he tell us that he had been born in Sandycroft, Hawarden. Minnie, 14, Charles, 16, a Grocer’s Assistant, John, 10 and Sam, 7 made up the household.
I haven’t found Charles’s Attestation Papers, so I don’t know when he enlisted, but Charles Shone in the UK, Soldiers Died in the Great War, 1914-1919 tells us that his birth place and residence was Gresford, and this source tells us that he was formerly 78697, in the R.A.M.C.
Charles Shone in the British Army WWI Medal Rolls Index Cards, 1914-1920 tells us that he was awarded the Victory & British War Medals, but does not tell us where his first Theatre of War was nor when he entered it.
Charles Shone in the UK, Army Registers of Soldiers’ Effects, 1901-1929 tells us that Charles’s death was presumed on or since the 25th April 1917 and the Joint Legatees were his father and mother, William & Emily who received £8 2s on the 15th November 1918 and his War Gratuity of £6 on the 20th November 1919.
Any information about Charles would be gratefully received.
Researched by Mavis Williams.
