Chambers, Charles – Soldier mentioned in dispatches

Charles Chambers (1879-1965)

Charles R Chambers was born in Grantham to Thomas and Rebecca Chambers, his mother dying giving birth.

He was brought up at 17 Harrow Street where his father was an engine fitter/ steam engine erector who died following an accident with a traction engine in Derby in June 1897.

The family had by then moved to Dudley Road.

Charles enlisted in the 1^st Battalion Sherwood Foresters in 1896 at Derby. He was transferred to Curragh Camp, Ireland, where he received his first stripe and three years later, following service in Malta, was promoted to corporal during the South Africa campaign, where he was twice wounded in the left shoulder, first at Vlakfortein then at Moedvil.

He was invalided home and awarded the DCM and twice mentioned in despatches.

He returned to Derby for a short spell then transferred to the 2^nd Battalion Sherwood Foresters, first at the Isle of Wight, the Aldershot where he was promoted to colour sergeant.

He returned to Ireland, with his old regiment, the 1^st Battalion, then in 1911 to India.

In 1914, as an acting Sgt-Major, he was granted a commission, and saw service in France. He was again mentioned in despatches and in 1916 awarded the Military Cross, presented to him by the King at Buckingham Palace.

He was also promoted to Captain, a rank he kept until his retirement in 1937.

He died in Boston in 1965.