Charles Napier Solomon

A Private with Eastern Command, Charles died on 16th of June 1918 at the age of 24.

Charles was born at Carlton Colville on 13 October 1893. A son of Charles Napier and Naomi Solomon. He was baptised at Saint Peter’s Church, Carlton Colville, on 21 January 1894. In 1901 his family lived ‘near The Ship Inn’, Carlton Colville. In 1911 Charles lodged at Sycamore Avenue, Oulton Broad, with his sister Gertrude Bunn, and family, and Charles worked as a labourer.  

Charles married Elizabeth Jane Lily Woolnough at Saint Michael's Church, Oulton, Lowestoft, on 31 March 1913. Charles was a roadman and they both lived at Oulton. Later they lived at 2 Christchurch Square, Whapload Road. In 1919 Elizabeth married William Banham, and lived at 19 Wellington Cottages, Clapham Road, Lowestoft.

Charles joined the Army, enlisting at Lowestoft on 5 July 1916. Initially he served with the Suffolk Regiment, number 34771. He was found to have 'disorderly action of the heart' and recommended for discharge. However, from 6 February 1917 he was attached to the Depot, Norfolk Regiment, number 28175, and transferred to the Norfolk Regiment on 3 March 1917. On 25 May 1917 he was transferred to the Labour Corps, with service number 161329, and served with the 5th Labour Battalion. 

Charles was serving with Eastern Command, Labour Corps, and he developed acute pulmonary-tuberculosis. He was first admitted to hospital on 14 February 1918. Charles died at 12.45 a.m. on 16 June 1918 at the Horton (County of London) War Hospital, Epsom.