Lives of the First World War

The Death Penny issued to Charles' parents, upon his death in July 1916

Muench/Minch family. Charles Spencer is not showing as we have found out that he was in a home for crippled children in Bournemouth 1910

1911 Census showing Charles Spencer Muench/Minch living at 37 Burnaby Road, Bournemouth. This was the address for the Victoria Home for crippled children. On information given to us by a living relative a few years ago, it appears that Charles fell from a tree when a child and injured his back

Form showing details of service-Personal details,Enlistment,etc

Army form showing the"Statement of the Names and Addresses of all the relatives of the above named deceased soldier' This gives details of Charles's family and also witnessed by the family minister showing his religion as Wesleyan. Dated 22nd July 1919. This form was for the next-of-kin of each deceased soldier to fill in, "to enable the Officer in charge of Records to dispose of the plaque and commemorative scroll"

Medical Form (B178) relating to Charles Spencer Minch. This form describes his medical history throughout his service. Contains information such as Height(5ft 5 1/2 inches),Weight (139 lbs) and Chest Measurement (35 inches with a 2 inch range of expansion) Date of first examination 26th October 1915 Also included is date and place of enlistment (3rd Nov 1915 at Eastham) and Occupation (Fish salesman) At a later date it tells us that he "Became non-effective by" killed in action on 13th July 1916!

Section of Medical Form belonging to Charles Spencer Minch. This shows dates of Inoculations and Medical Exam for service-Fit Also looks like he was at Seaford Training Camp from 10th Nov 1915 until 20th April 1916?

Form entitled "Descriptive Report On Enlistment-To correspond with Entries on Medical History Sheet" Contains information included on Charles's Medical sheet but with the addition of "scar on right side of neck" under Distinctive Marks section. Also Medals entitled to Charles are listed under the "Particulars as to Children" section !!!

Army Form 5080, concerning the commemorative plaque and scroll Addressed to A L Minch (Charles mother) 54 Skeffington Road East Ham Essex The address is very faint but just eligible. Poststamped from the Rifles Office,Winchester and post-dated 22nd July 1919 at 8:30pm

Front and back image of Medal Index Card for Charles Spencer Minch

Short Service Attestation Form for C Minch. Form shows oath taken dated 3rd Nov 1915 and approved on 6th Nov 1915. Signed by Charles. Form shows him originally attached to the 14th Batt KRRC

Front of a damaged letter from C Minch Snr regarding his son. I will try to translate it as it is written, adding probable words in brackets. 54 Skeffington Rd EastHam Essex Dear Sir Having received a letter from France with photo's only, which are my sons belongings, and not hearing from him since last Monday week, would esteem it a great favour if you would furnish me weather there is anything serious with (REVERSE) him, as it is a ....... receiving letter...... line weather he is all(right) or not. A reply by ret(urn) would be very grateful yours Sincerley Mr C Minch My sons address Corp C Minch 16272 'B Coy, No 5 Platoon 13th Batt, Kings Royal Rifles BEF France

Damaged letter (Reverse) from C Minch Snr seeking information about his son. Traslation is in Description section of previous image (front)

Kings Royal Rifle Corps roll of individuals entitled to the Victory Medal and British War Medal

Plaque on Memorial bearing the birth name of C S Minch (Muench)

Plaque on Memorial commemorating "East Ham's bravest sons"

C Muench (Minch) remembered on this Memorial

C Minch (Muench) last residence before going overseas to fight in the Great War. Taken in 2014

Pier & face 13a&b of the Thiepval Memorial showing the inscription of Charles Spencer Minch

East Ham Memorial, Central Park, 100 years to the day from when Charles Spencer Minch was KIA. His name (Muench) is remembered here.