Charles William Exley

CHARLES WILLIAM EXLEY

Private 27001, 8th Battalion Yorkshire Hussars (Alexandra, Princess of Wales's Own Regiment)

Died 8th October 1916 aged 23

No Known Grave Commemorated Thiepval Memorial, Somme, France

Son of William and Frances Exley

Lived 15, Darley Street, Heckmondwike

Charles was the youngest child of William Exley and Frances nee Schofield. He was born at the beginning of 1894 in Heckmondwike and baptised at George Street Congregational Chapel in Heckmondwike. He had two brothers and two sisters. His father William died in 1904 aged 46 leaving Frances to bring up the family of five children alone. Charles was only 10 when his father died.

Charles was the cousin of Louis Ackroyd who also died in 1915. Their mothers were sisters. He was also the second cousin of Ernest Exley who died in 1918. Their paternal grandfathers were brothers.

He was killed in action on 10th October 1916 during part of the Battle of the Somme. He has no known grave but his name is commemorated on the Thiepval Memorial to the Missing.

His name is also on the Heckmondwike Grammar School War Memorial as well as St. James’s Church and St Saviour’s Church Memorials. He was awarded the Victory Medal and the British War Medal.{MA-042}

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