Trafford

Born during the December quarter 1894 in the Altrincham R.D. - ref: 8a/192,
the son of Albert & Emma Belsham (nee Street).

1901 Census - Bucklow Hill, Millington.  Family listed as "BELSHAW"    Son
aged: 6 - born: Millington, Cheshire.    Head of household - Albert Belshaw
- Married - aged: 52 - occ: Lurryman (Lorry) on Farm - born: Salford.   
Also Emma Belshaw - Wife - aged: 45 - born: Millington.  Plus 7 siblings,
including Frank, aged: 11 who, in 1920 married Private James Skelhorn's
widow.

Attended Rostherne Church School.

1911 Census - No Trace.   But his parents - Albert & Emma Belsham, are now
residing in the middle cottage (middle of three) at Hall Lane, Millington. 
Frank is listed, but not Charles.    Albert & Emma later resided at Ivy
Cottage, Millington Lane, Rostherne.

Charles was employed on the Tatton Estate as a Farm Labourer.

WO363 - Enlisted at Altrincham in the 14th Bn Cheshire Rgt.on the 12th
December 1915 - aged: 21 years 2 months. - 5 feet 7 inches in height -
weight: 123 lb - 33¾ inch chest expanded with 2¾ inch expansion.  Fit for
Class 'T'.   Called in  on the 24th January 1916 and drafted to France on
the 31st May 1916, being posted into the 10th Battalion Cheshire Regiment. 
 Admitted to 77 Field Ambulance on the 27th June 1916 suffering from
penetrating multiple abdominal wounds as a result of a bombing accident
(hand or rifle grenade).  Died at 13.15 hrs on the 28th June 1916.

Probably killed whilst training for the impending Battle of the Somme 1916.
  The German positions were being shelled for the whole of this week
leading up to the attack on the 1st July.

His family as reported in 1919 were:-   Brothers - Albert 39, Willie 29,
John 27, Frank 25, James 23.    Sisters - Lizzie 40, Susie 38, Ruth 33,
Lily 30, Lucy 24.    His next of Kin was Thomas Belsham, Ivy Cottage,
Millington.

Death reported in the 27/10/1916 edition of the Altrincham Guardian.   Name
in RoH in local newspaper also in the 31/10/1916 and 03/11/1916  editions
of local newspaper.

Involved in an accident with a 'bomb' (grenade) on the 27th, suffering
severe abdominal wounds to which he succumbed the following day.

Listed in the Guardian Year Book - Roll of Honour for 1917.   Received the
two basic war medals - BWM & the VM.