Lives of the First World War

On display at the Green Howards Museum, Richmond, North Yorkshire

Birth certificate

The birthplace of John (known as Jack) Charlton. His parents were Arthur E and Maria (nee Dickinson). Brothers & sisters; Mabel (1889-1890), William D (1890-1959), Arthur E (1893-1981) Dora (1897-1976), Robert G (1903-?) My earliest memory, when I was about 3½ - 4 years old, is of going with my mother, pushing my brother Arthur in a pram. We walked along Parliament Road (a cinder road in those days) to Newport landing stage on the River Tees (about 2 miles) and then boarded a Paddle Steamer, “The Caledonian” to Stockton landing stage. The charge was 1d (1 penny) each. We then walked 1½ miles to my grandfather’s (mother’s father, John Dickinson) and then doing the same journey back. A great day was the day we had gas put into our house, until then we had only paraffin lamps and candles to go to bed with. We had only one gas fixture which was over the mantelpiece. rubber tube was connected to a nipple at the bottom and then to a small ring to cook on.

In uniform 1916 - place not known

The first parade night I joined the Signallers under Sgt Niven, a very fine instructor, and was given two flags to take home and practise the Morse code and semaphore. After weeks of practise, I was passed as proficient at reading by flag at 8 words a minute. Then, oh boy, my first camp at Richmond, Yorkshire. What a grand time, enjoyed every minute of it, we paid 1/- per day. My Master at this time was President of the Middlesbrough District Motor Club and he asked me if I would take a team of Signallers to their hill climbs to give communication from bottom to top, as most of the hills were of the winding kind. Six of us went, the first one being at Yearby near Redcar, we only needed two terminals and one transmitter. We varied our signals, sometimes Morse and sometimes semaphore. Anyway, they found it a great success and they asked us to go to all climbs. We, of course, got taken there in motor cars and backs of motor cycles. writing was taken from

Godewaervelde was where Jack stayed on the way to the front line

In Uniform 1916

Jack Charlton centre front

Postcard sent by Jack when he was waiting to board ship on return to the front after being on leave

Message reads - Sunday 11.30am Dearest Phil Arrived here. Sail tonight. Hope you are just same. Love to all. Heaps of love Jack Address - Miss P Blow, 2 Gordon Tce, Borough Rd E, Middlesbrough

From left Pat, Bess (Harry Benson), Lav and Jack Charlton

Back row - Jones, Allan, Lav Middle row - Rich, Jack Front row - ? Jack Charlton, Rees

Birth lace od John Clive Charlton

WW1

Front Row 5th from the right is "Our Colonel Deakin DSO and fine gentleman and soldier"

John (Jack's) Medals now at The Green Howards Museum Richmond

Colonel Deakin - just out of the trenches 1917

Harry Benson (Bess) was the pianist in Jack Charlton's memoirs

A Lucas Day Light Signalling Lamp similar to the one mentioned in Jack Charlton's memoirs

Colonel Deakin taken from the photo "Just out of the Trenches"

Taken 1918

Certificate reads; The War of 1914-1918 Yorkshire Regt. No 1968 Sjt JC Charlton was mentioned in Despatch from Gemeral Sir Douglas Haigh dated 13 November 1916 for gallant and distinguished services in the Field. I have it in command from the King to record His Majesty's high appreciation of the services rendered. Signed by Winston Church1 March 1919

John (Jack) and Phillis Wedding Photo

In the Home Guard during World War 2

Jack with his daughter Alethea Blow Charlton born 9 August 1931

Camping at Ellerby North Yorkshire. Jack with daughter Alethea and Jack Harland

Jack and Phil Charlton outside their shop at Rosedale North Yorkshire. They were there from 1954 to 1977

John C Charlton's Gravestone in the Churchyard at St Mary's Parish Church Latingham North Yorkshire