Charles's Story.
Born Monks Coppenhall, Crewe, enlisted Chester. Educated at Hightown LNWR Boys and Crewe Secondary Schools. Son of Mr and Mrs James Ball of 67, West Street, Crewe. A former clerk in the LNWR General Offices, Crewe, who was regarded as one of the best draughts players in the county and had represented England. His last job before enlisting was as a storekeeper at Crewe Locomotive Works where his Father also worked as a boiler maker. He joined the 5th Battalion Cheshire Regiment in September 1914, where he served in the UK as a Territorial Soldier. He Transferred to the 1st Battalion, Life Guards, signing the papers at Hyde Park Barracks on the 1st of November 1914. Whilst still serving in London, he fell from his horse suffering damage to his leg on the 28th of December 1914, and was admitted to Regent's Park Hospital, and then transferred to Queen Alexandra's Military Hospital in Westminster. Over a period of 10 days his condition worsened, and he was diagnosed with suspected Typhoid, but this was later confirmed as Pneumonia. His condition appeared to improve over the evening of 16th January, but he died suddenly from a cerebral embolism shortly after midnight.
Research by Colin Haynes.
Research by Colin Haynes.