CHARLES PEMBERTON 

Charles Pemberton’s name came forward when looking to see who, from Northwich, had “Fallen” on the 1st July 1916, start of the Battle of the Somme. The C.W.G.C. remembers 5 Northwich lads including a Charles Pemberton, Pte., he served with the Machine Gun Corps, 103rd Coy, No 14847. He died on the 1st July 1916 age 16, remembered on the Thiepval Memorial (Panel and Face 5C & 12C). Son of the late Edward Pemberton of 27 Whalley Rd. Northwich.
Charles's age of 16 was surprising or is it shocking? Following Charles back through the census data and Cheshirebmd and then the newspaper articles, it would appear that Charles was more likely to have been 18 when he was killed as will be seen.

Northwich Guardian 13th Oct. 1916. PRIVATES C. AND T. PEMBERTON

Mr. Pemberton of 56 Whalley Road, Northwich, was officially notified on Wednesday that one of his sons, Private Charles Pemberton had died of wounds received on July 1. The same day news was received in a letter from a Castle soldier that another son, Private Thomas Pemberton had been killed in action. Charles was only 18 years of age and was in the machine-gun corps. He enlisted in March 1915 and was sent on active service twelve months later. Before joining the Colours he worked for Mr. Bowyer, builder, Middlewich Road.

Thomas, who was 22 years old was formerly employed by Messrs Cleghorn and Wilkinson and he enlisted about 12 months ago. He had only been at the front about six weeks. (Thomas was killed but not at this time.)

Mr. Pemberton has two other sons in the Army: one is a prisoner of war in Germany and the other is in hospital severely wounded. (The 1911 census records only three sons.) The father is an old soldier and served in the Zulu War.

The 1911 census has this Pemberton family at 31 York Place, Northwich. Edward, father and head of the family, aged 59, boiler maker, born Northwich; Mary wife aged 56, born Northwich; They had had 6 children 4 had survived all living at home. Thomas aged 21 labourer at the salt works, (Salt Union R.o.H. of Booklet does not record the name Pemberton.) born Durham; James aged 18, Marine Store, born Northwich; Nellie aged 20, born Northwich and Charles aged 14 born Northwich. Cheshirebmd records the birth of a Charles Pemberton in 1897. The 1901 census records a William Pemberton with the family making the fourth son.

Northwich Guardian 6th July 1917. PRIVATES THOMAS PEMBERTON

Mr. Pemberton, 56 Whalley Road Northwich was officially notified yesterday that his son, Private Thomas Pemberton, of the Cheshire Regiment has been killed in action. About nine months ago another son, Private Charles Pemberton died of wounds received early in July of last year and at the same time a comrade wrote from the front stating that Thomas had been killed. The photos of the two brothers appeared in the “Guardian” in October last but later the report regarding Thomas proved to be incorrect and that the family had reassuring news that he was all right. Now however he has made the supreme sacrifice and the information has been conveyed to the father in a letter from the deceased’s officer, dated the 1st inst. The letter reads:- “I am sorry to have to inform you that your son, Private T. Pemberton was killed on the night of the 24th whilst proceeding to work in the trenches. He was badly wounded and died instantly, and you will be relived to know he suffered no pain. During the time he has been attached to this platoon I always found him a conscientious soldier. He was most popular in the platoon with his comrades and was always brave and cheerful. I wish to console with you in your sad bereavement. The N.C.O’s and men also wish to be associated with these remarks.”

A third son of Mr. Pemberton, Private James Pemberton is a prisoner of war in Germany. The father is an old soldier and served in the Zulu War.

Charles Pemberton is remembered on the Leftwich, Memorial.

Research Bob H.