Soldier Record

Charles, a twin son of John Robert and Maria Locker was born at Greenwich on 22nd March 1885.

Whilst working for the grocery business Cave Austin, Charles met Alice Seager who had been born at Lewisham three days before him. They were married at Greenwich on 17th April 1911.

Alice gave birth to twins, a boy and a girl of whom only Grace Alice Mary survived. A second daughter, Dorothy Lilian was born on 9th February 1916.

In June 1916, shortly after conscription was extended to include married men, Charles joined up and three months later was serving in France. Following illness, which caused him to come back to Englandto recuperate. he left his young family in April 1917 for the last time and returned to serve with the 8th Battalion of the Kings Royal Rifle Corps. He died somewhere near "Clapham Junction" on the Menin Road and has no known grave. In a letter received by Alice his Captain wrote " Your husband died on 24th August 1917 while in action. He was killed instantly by a shell explosion and suffered no pain. May I express my deep sympathy wth you in your terrible loss and state that your husband was a very fine fellow, much appreciated by his Company and his loss is severely felt"

Charles Robert Locker's name appears on the Memorial at the Menin Gate and in the Kings Royal Rifle Corps Roll of Honour in Winchester Cathederal. He was remembered with love and affection by Alice and his daughters Grace and Dorothy.