GIRLING, Charles J

Charles Girling was born in Sutton, Suffolk, and enlisted in the South Staffords Territorials. He was transferred to the Essex Regiment and joined the 2nd Battalion which had fought in the major battles on the Western Front since 1914. In the Spring of 1918 they were in the front line opposing the great German offensives. In both March and April they were driven back but ultimately their defence on the Lys helped to stabilise the line. However, there were heavy losses and Lance Corporal Charles Girling was killed in action near Béthune on the 19th April. He is commemorated on the Loos, Lye and Wollescote and Lye church Memorials. His brother, Edward, was killed in July 1916.