Company Serjeant Major 13568 Charles Aldridge Thorne, DCM & Bar
Photograph courtesy of Charles' great granddaughter Kim Hyde.
Died of Wounds on Sunday, 13th October 1918, age 39.
Buried in Grave II. A. 8. at Honnechy British Cemetery, Nord, France.
7th Bn., Wiltshire Regiment. 150th Brigade of 50th Division.
Husband of Mrs Catherine Thorne, of 27 Stanier Street, Swindon, Wiltshire.
Born: Tipton, Enlisted: Swindon, Wilts., Resident: Swindon, Wilts.
First landed France & Flanders, 21st September 1915.
Medal entitlement: Distinguished Conduct Medal & Bar, MID,1914-15 Star, British War Medal, Victory Medal.
Soldier's Papers at National Archives did not survive.
Not commemorated on any Tipton memorial, but commemoriated on the Swindon War Memorial, and the Board of Trade Memorial, Caxton Hall, London.
Commemorated here because identified as Tipton on 'Soldiers Died in the Great War'.
Link to Commonwealth War Graves Site: www.cwgc.org/find-war-dead/casualty/572446/
Genealogical Data
Birth of Charles Aldridge registered March quarter 1879 in Dudley.
1881 Census
7 Lorne Street, Princes End, Tipton, Staffs.
Charles Aldridge (43, Puddler, born Pelsall), his wife Mary (42, born Oldbury), and their children: Sarah (14, born Tipton), Mary Jane (12, born Princes End, Tipton) and Charles (2, born Princes End, Tipton).
1891 Census
16 Sand Street, Greets Green, West Bromwich, Staffs.
Charles Aldridge (54, Puddler, born Walsall), his wife Mary (51, born Titford), and their son Charles (12, born Princes End, Tipton).
1901 Census
No trace of Charles. This is because he was in South Africa (Boer War) serving with the 1st Battallion, Worcestershire Regiment.
Marriage of Charles Aldridge Thorne and Catherine O'Connor (born Cork, Ireland) registered March quarter 1907 in Winchester.
Children Mary Adelaide (born 28 Oct 1907, Dublin), Victor Charles (born 25 June 1909, Bordon, Hampshire), Kathleen Sarah (born 9 October 1910, Swindon) and Martin Thomas (born 14 March 1913, Swindon).
1911 Census
1 St Margaret's Road, Bishopstoke, Hampshire.
Lodging with John and Sarah Carpenter (Charles' sister) were:
Charles Thorne (31, married 4 years with 3 children, Labourer in Fitting Department - Railway Construction, born Princes End, Staffs) and his son Victor Charles Thorne (2, born Hampshire).
Sarah Carpenter was born in Princes End as Sarah Aldridge, and was Charles' sister. She had married John Harry Carpenter, March quarter 1890, registered in West Bromwich.
Personal Data
Charles Aldridge Thorne was born Charles Aldridge, but took the name Charles (Aldridge) Thorne when he enlisted in the 3rd (Militia) Battalion, Worcestershire Regiment, in 1898. He maintained the name Charles Aldridge Thorne throughout his life.
Charles Aldridge enlisted with the 3rd (Militia) battalion, South Staffordshire Regiment on 10th December 1897. He was born in Princes End, his age was stated as 18 years 10 months, and he lived at 128 Hope Road, West Bromwich. He was 5 feet 4½ inches tall, weighed 127 pounds, had fair complexion, blue eyes and dark hair. He was employed as a Roller at Eagle Iron Works, "Barnbrook", West Bromwich. His record of service mentions 49 days but does not give any further detail.
Almost exactly 49 days after Charles Aldridge enlisted in the South Staffs Militia, a Charles Thorne enlisted in the 3rd (Militia) battalion, Worcestershire Regiment. It is my strong belief, although it cannot be 100% proven, that they are the same person and possibly Charles took the surname Thorne to "cover his tracks" with the South Staffs. Charles "Thorne" enlisted on 3th February 1898, he stated that his father was Mr Charles Thorne of 18 Danks Street, Tipton - no trace of a Thorne family can be found in the area. He stated his age as 18 years, was 5 feet 4¾ inches tall, weighed 142 pounds, had fair complexion, blue eyes and brown hair. He was employed as an Iron Worker at Globe Iron Works, "Bournnbrook", Dudley. His service lasted just 43 days, until 18th March. His record seems to suggest that on the 19th March he joined the Worcestershire Regiment as a Regular Soldier. There are marked similarities with the two Militia enlistments, and the two signatures have a distinctly similar style.
Private 5158 Charles Thorne served with the 1st Battalion Worcestershire Regiment from 1898 to 1910, finishing with the rank of Sergeant. His number, 5158, ties in with his enlistment on 19th March as it is known that number 5123 joined on 1st February 1898. Charles served in the Boer War and was awarded the Queen's South Africa Medal with Cape Colony, Orange Free State and Transvaal clasps, and the King's South Africa Medal with South Africa 1901 and South Africa 1902 clasps.
After the Boer War, the 1st Worcesters served: from 1903 at Templemore, Ireland, from 1907 at the Portobello Barracks, Dublin, and from 1908 at Bordon Camp, Hampshire. This ties in with meeting his future wife, Catherine, in Ireland, marrying at the Depot in Winchester, his first child being born in Dublin, and second child in Bordon. He left the army after 12 years and was living with his sister Sarah (now Carpenter) at the time of the 1911 census. The Thorne family subsequently moved to Swindon, Wiltshire, where he worked at the Swindon Employment Exchange as a clerk. He re-enlisted in September 1914, this time with the WIltshire regiment.
After Charles’s death his outstanding army pay and allowances amounted to £24/6/5d (24 pounds, 6 shillings and 5 pence); this was paid to his widow, Catherine, in June 1919. His War Gratuity was £30/10/0d (30 pounds and 10 shillings), this was also paid to Catherine in December 1919. The value of the War Gratuity suggests that Charles had enlisted in approximately September 1914.
Catherine was awarded a pension of £1/18/9d (1 pound, 18 shillings and 9 pence) per week, effective from 5th May 1919. This was for herself and her 4 children. A grant of £9 was also paid to Catherine in November 1918.
Probate over Charles' estate was granted to his widow, Catherine Thorne: "THORNE Charles Aldridge of 17 Regent Circus, Swindon, Wiltshire. Company Sergeant Major 7th Wiltshire regiment, died 13 October 1918 in France. Administration London 7 April 1919 to Catherine Thorne, widow. Effects £152/16s."
The following refers to Charles's time in Macedonia when he was awarded the DCM (Distinguished Conduct Medal) and was Mentioned in Dispatches - it is optional reading, just for the enthusuast!
The 7th Wiltshire's War Diary for 25th April 1917 (with thanks to www.thewardrobe.org.uk) contains a reference to Charles Thorne, it would appear that this action was to lead to his awards later in the year.
Greece, DOIRAN Sector.
On the night of 24th/25th April the Battalion attacked O1 and O2 trenches, 12th HANTS attacked O3, 10th DEVONS PETIT COURONNE.
'C' Company. Objective Z8 - Z10.
The Company formed up outside our wire at 2115. Liaison was established and on the barrage lifting the company entered the enemy trenches and drove him out after lively fighting with bombs during which serious losses were inflicted. A portion of this sector was cleared but owing to lack of co-operation on left flank ('D' Coy being held up by the uncut wire) the company was forced, on the delivery of a vigorous enemy counter attack, to evacuate the enemy's lines. A rally of the company was effected 50 yards from the enemy's trenches but the attack failed owing to heavy casualties, all the Company officers and 8 senior N.C.Os being either killed or wounded. CSM THORNE who was left in command saw that there was nothing for it but to withdraw to our lines.
Charles Thorne was Mentioned in Dispatches on 28th November 1917. The award of his Distinguished Conduct Medal was listed in the London Gazette of 18 February 1918, and his Bar to Distinguished Conduct Medal on 12th March 1919.
London Gazette 28th November 1917
WILTSHIRE REGIMENT.
General Headquarters,
British Salonika Force,
25th October, 1917.
My Lord,
I have the honour to submit herewith a list of the names of the Officers, Warrant Officers, Non-Commissioned Officers, Men and Nursing Staff, whose services I desire to bring to your Lordship's notice for gallant conduct and distinguished services rendered during the past six months.
I have the honour to be,
My Lord,
Your Lordship's most obedient Servant,
G. F. MILNE,
Lieutenant-General
Commanding in Chief,
British Salonika Force
Thorne, No. 13568 Co. Serjt.-Maj. C. A.
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DCM, London Gazette 18th February 1918
13568 C.S./M. C. Thorne, Wilts. R. (Swindon).
For conspicuous gallantry and devotion to duty. After all his company officers had been killed or wounded he took command, rallying the company after heavy casualties had been sustained, and keeping the men together. His pluck and determination inspired confidence, and set a very fine example at a time when it was most needed.
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A little late in the day, the War Diary of 23rd January 1918 says,
Greece, DOVA TEPE.
Mentioned in Despatches
No 13568 CSM C A THORNE
Awarded D.C.M.
No 13568 CSM C A THORNE
Action resulting in his death
Charles enlisted with the Wiltshires at their Depot at Le Marchant Barracks, Devizes, Wiltshire, on 29th September 1914. He was immediately assigned to the 7th Battalion, which was in the process of being formed. As an ex-Regular Army sergeant with 12 years service, including the Boer War, he was doubtless welcomed with open arms.
The 7th battalion landed in France in September 1915, but in November 1915 they were sent to Salonika where they remained until June 1918 when transferred back to France. In Salonika, Charles was awarded the Distinguished Conduct Medal and was Mentioned in Dispatches, details of this can be found above.
During July, the 7th Wilstshires were attached to the 50th Division who were at rest near Dieppe. July and August saw many men being given leave back to the UK. For many men this would have been the first home leave in a number of years, as home leave from Salonika was not possible for most. Charles was amongst them, having a period of leave during August. It was October before the 7th Wiltshires moved to the front line just after the Breaking of the Hindenburg Line.
Between the 3rd and 6th October the 7th Wiltshires were in action at Prospect Hill, just east of Le Catelet during the attack on the Beaurevoir Line. They captured Prospect Hill and held on against counter-attack, but had over 40 men killed in the period. Here Charles was awarded the DCM for a second time (a Bar to his DCM).
London Gazette 12th March 1919, DCM Bar.
13568 C./S./M. C.A. Thorne, D.C.M., 7th Bn., Wilts. R. (Swindon).
"For most conspicuous gallantry and good work during operations near Gouy from 4th to 6th October, 1918. He showed the greatest dash throughout the attack on 4th October, and, although wounded, continued to carry on, consolidating the new line. After having had his wound dressed he returned to his company, and throughout the night materially assisted his company commander in every way under very heavy shellfire. He set a very fine example to his company throughout the day and night under most trying circumstances."
On the 12th and 13th October, the 7th Wilts were in reserve to 50th Division at Reumont, 3 miles south west of Le Cateau. The Swindon Advertiser reported that Charles was killed by shell fire which fell in the transport lines, as he was returning from duty in the front line; this is very likely given their location on 13th October. Charles is recorded as dying from his wounds, and he is buried in Honnechy British Cemetery which is close to Reumont.
Newspaper Cuttings
The Swindon Advertiser, 18th November 1918
THE ROLL OF HONOUR
C.S.M. C.A. THORNE
Mrs Thorne of 27 Stanier Street, Swindon, has received the sad news of the death of her husband, Company Sergeant-Major C.A. Thorne, who volunteered to join up at the outbreak of war, and did so in September 1914. He spent 3 years in Macedonia, and gained the D.C.M., and was mentioned in dispatches. Last July, his battalion (the Wilts) came to France. He was home on leave as recently as last August, and proceeding back to France was shortly in the firing line, attached to the 5th Army (Editor: actually 4th Army). He was again recommended for distinction for gallant services rendered, and had got back to the transport lines from the front line, when a shell burst over him killing him instantaneously, on the 13th October. C.S.M. Thorne was a clerk in the Employment Exchange at Swindon, and his loss is greatly regretted by the manager and staff. He was a Freemason, being a member of the Mark Mason Lodge, and the Royal Arch Lodge of England.