Private Charles Albert Coomer

Charles Albert Coomer was born in November 1885 to parents Charles Albert Snr and Rose Anne Nee Drowley. His parents had married in 1884. Charles was baptised in Broadstairs on 7th March 1886.

By 1891, the family were living with Mother-in-Law Elizabeth Drowley at 6 Alma Place, Margate. Charles snr aged 28 was listed as an employer: Cab Proprietor Trades person. They now had a further three children: Beatrice 5, Gladys 3 and Nellie aged 2. A further child named Victor was born the following year.

By 1901 the family had moved to Brixton and were living at 426 Coldharbour Lane. Charles snr was now running a Coffee House. Charles aged 17, had no employment listed. Another child Ivy was listed as being 1 month old, born in Brixton. Charles’s father died January 1905. The family address was listed as 56 Leander Road, Brixton Hill.

Charles (Jnr) married Kathleen Maude Carey at Christ Church Colliers Wood on 6th October 1908. His Occupation was listed as a Hotel Servant. In 1911 Charles and his wife Kathleen were living with Kathleen’s parents and her four siblings at 46 Longley Road, Tooting. Charles's occupation was listed as a Hotel servant - Cloakroom attendant. Later that year 3rd October 1911 their first child is born and named Margaret Kathleen.

At the outbreak of war Charles would have been about 30 years of age. Conscription came into force in March 1916 for all men aged 18-41.

Charles enlisted as a Private on 27th May 1916. He was described as 5ft 4 ¼ tall, weighed 137 1bs and had a chest measurement of 36 inches. He joined the 3rd Buffs (East Kent) Regiment as an Army reserve. At time of enlistment his occupation was listed as a Printers Timekeeper living at 34 Longley Road.

In early August he was sent a letter telling him “You are hereby warned that you will be required to rejoin for service with the colours on 12th August 1916 at Wandsworth Town Hall on this date”.

On this date, as well as rejoining the regiment his wife gave birth to their second child. Bernard Charles Frederick arrived on the 12th of August 1916. He was baptised at Christ Church Colliers Wood on 10th September 1916. Charles’s occupation was listed as a soldier with the 3rd Buffs.

Charles was posted abroad with the British Expeditionary Forces 31/12/1916 and joined the 7th Buffs.

Charles died on 3rd May 1917 Aged 31 whilst serving with the 7th Battalion The Buffs (East Kent) regiment. His regiment was involved in the 2nd battle of Arras. On this day over 7,000 British soldiers were killed. This was one of the highest totals on one day during the entire war. The second battle of Arras was a British offensive on the Western Front. From 9th April – 16th May 1917, British Troops attacked German defences near the French City of Arras on the Western Front.

Charles was reported missing in Action presumed dead that same day after a day of heavy fighting. He had served for 342 days.

His wife Kathleen had to wait until 12th January 1918 for a pension of 22 shillings and 11 pence to be awarded to her and the two children.

Charles is remembered at Christ Church Parish Colliers Wood and at the Arras memorial Amiens Cemetery France.