THE short life of Harlow’s Charles Beale as read out by Harlow Council’s Emma Crouch.

This project is supported by Harlow Council’s Civic Fund and HTS Ltd.

Never Forget.

Charles’ parents were William Beale, born in Royston in 18621 and Lizzie Aley who was born in Harlow in c.1863. They married in Harlow in the autumn of 18902 and Charles was born in Harlow in 18913.

The 1901 census shows Charles residing with his family in Bury Road, Harlow. His father William was working as a foreman groom. The 1911 census recorded Charles residing in Bury Road with his now widowed mother Lizzie and his siblings, Thomas, Emily and Edward. Charles was working as a groom in livery stables.

Gunner Charles Beale, 82886, enlisted in Harlow and served in The 142nd Siege Battery, Royal Garrison Artillery. The Battery landed in France on 9 August 1916. The conditions were appalling and within two months Charles developed pneumonia. Charles died on 13 October 1916 aged 25 and is buried in Corbie Communal Cemetery Extension, France. Plot 2, row E, grave 46. Register Index Number Fr.23