Trafford

Born DICKENS in Ashton upon Mersey during the September quarter 1887 in the
Altrincham R.D. - ref: 8a/190, the eldest son of George Barker & Sarah
Dickins (nee Derbyshire).   His father was registered as Dickins at the
time of his marriage to Sarah.

Between 1887 and 1890, the family moved from Ashton upon Mersey across the
A56 to Sale.

1891 Census - 12 Wilson Street, Sale.   Family listed as DICKENS.   Son -
aged: 3 - born: Ashton upon Mersey.   Head of household - George B. Dickens
- Married - aged: 24 - occ: Plumber (journeyman) - born: Risley,
Derbyshire.  Also - Sarah Dickens - Wife - aged: 25 - born: Ashton upon
Mersey.  Plus their daughter Annie Dickens - aged: 1 - born: Sale.   They
also had one boarder - Annie Buckley - aged: 28 - occ: Charwoman - born:
Sale.

1901 Census - 11 Albion Street, Sale.    Family listed as DICKENS     Son -
aged: 13 - occ: Errand Boy - born: Ashton on Mersey.    Head of household -
George B. Dickens - Married - aged: 34 - occ: Plumber - born: Riseley,
Bedfordshire.     Also - Sarah Dickens - Wife - aged: 35 - born: Ashton on
Mersey.    Plus 6 younger siblings - Annie (11);  George B. (9);  William
(6);  Thomas (5);  John Heywood (3);  Alfred (0).

Charles' father - George Barker Dickins died during the December quarter
1904 in the Bucklow R.D. - ref: 8a/148 - aged: 38.

His mother - Sarah Dickins married Sam Hulse during the March quarter 1906
in the Bucklow R.D. - ref: 8a/279.

1911 Census - 1 Pointings Terrace, Green Lane, Ashton Upon Mersey.  Family
listed as DICKINS.   Son [step-son actually] - aged: 23 - occ: Plumber -
born: Ashton upon Mersey.   Head of household - Sam Hulse - Married - aged:
50 - occ: Night Soil Man employed by Ashton upon Mersey UDC - born:
Liftwich, Cheshire.   Also - Sarah Hulse - Wife - aged: 45 - occ: Charwoman
- born: Ashton upon Mersey.   Plus 7 siblings - Annie (21);  George Barker
Jnr (19);  Willie (16);  Thomas (15);  John Heywood (13);  Alfred (10); 
Maggie (7) - apart from Charles Henry, all were born at Sale, not AoM.

An excellent runner with both Sale & Salford Harriers.

From "British Battalions on the Somme" by Ray Westlake.   During the Battle
of the Somme 1916, the 8th Battalion King's Own (Royal Lancaster Regiment
were attached to the 76th Brigade, 3rd Division.

JULY 1916 - They did not take part in the 1st Day of the Somme when some
20,000 British soldiers were killed.  They entrained at St. Omer for
Doullens (1/7) and from there marched to Autheux.  To Naors (3/7), Coisy
(4/7), Franvillers (5/7), Celestines Wood (6/7), Bronfay Farm (8/7), Carnoy
(13/7), Caterpiller Wood (14/7).  They were in support of the 1st Bn.
Gordon Highlanders during operations at Longueval and Delville Wood (18/7).
 They were relieved and moved to Bund Trench near Carnoy (19/7).  Then to
trenches south-west of Longueval (22/7).  Withdrew back to Bund Trench
(23/7), then to Montauban Alley (24/7).  'A' Company were sent forward in
support at Delville Wood.  Relieved and via Bund Trench to Bois des Tailles
(25/7), to Méricourt (28/7).

AUGUST 1916 -  Moved to Sandpit Camp (11/8),Talus Boisé (14/8).  They
attacked Lonely Trench at 1740 hrs (16/8).  The War Diary records heavy
casualties from machine gun fire and rifle fire as soon as the assault was
launched.  Renewed attacks met similar result - all the officers and NCOs
of 'B' and 'C' Companies became casualties.  Casualties for the period 16/8
to 18/8 = 271.

So Charles was killed at Lonely Trench, which was situated just to the
north of Fricourt.

Attended the Sale Wesleyan Chapel but does not seem to be on their war
memorial, though there is a C.F. Dickens on it.

Also mentioned in the 08/12/1916 edition of the local newspaper.  
Confirmed as dead in the 11/05/1917 edition of the local newspaper.

He had two brothers serving.  George Barker Jnr was a Sergeant also in the
Royal Lancaster Rgt - No. 15297.   John Heywood was a Private with the 12th
Battalion, Machine Gun Corps - No. 86063.  John's WO363 record survived. 
He attested on the 1st October 1915 and was called up on the 24th May 1916.
 He was drafted to France on the 21st April 1917and returned via Dieppe on
the 29th January 1919.

Charles is listed in the Guardian Year Book - Roll of Honour for 1918. 
Listed as C.H. DICKINS on the Sale Town War Memorial.