Name
Charles Gomm
Conflict
First World War
Date of Death / Age
05/06/1916
20
Rank, Service Number & Service Details
Able Seaman
J/16024 (PO)
Royal Navy
Awards: Service Medals/Honour Awards
Not Yet Researched
Cemetery/Memorial: Name/Reference/Country
LYNESS ROYAL NAVAL CEMETERY
F.90.A
United Kingdom
Headstone Inscription
Not Researched
UK & Other Memorials
St. Thomas’ Church Memorial, West Hyde
Pre War
Charles was born on the 18th of April 1896 in West Hyde the son of Charles Herbert, a Sawdust Grinder, and Matilda (nee Ford) Gomm. Recorded as at of Weybeard Cottage, Denham, Bucks. After the death of their son.
In 1901 census records Charles as 5 years old and living at 8 Troy Mill Cottages, West Hyde, with a brother 7 and a sister 3. In 1911 they were still there, now with seven children and a Lodger Richard Woodham. Charles age 14 was a Farm Labourer, and his father a General Labourer.
Recorded as possibly enlisting in Portsmouth.
Wartime Service
Charles enlisted in the Navy as a boy sailor on the 20th February 1912 and then for 12 years on the 18th of April 1914.
He was killed on the 5th of June 1916 while aboard HMS Hampshire. The ship was enroute from Orkney to Russia carrying Lord Kitchener, allegedly on a secret mission to bolster support for the war from the Tsar, when it struck a mine and sank. Lord Kitchener was among the 737 who died.
Additional Information
Charles senior died in 1939 while living at Waybeard Cottage, Denham leaving effects totalling £234.14s.11d to Matilda. She died in 1945 in Vicarage Road Hospital, but while living at 4 Council Cottages, Maple Cross and leaving effects totalling £158.10s.10d. Charles was a cousin of Harry Gomm who was killed on the 2nd of July 1916.
Acknowledgments
Mike Collins, P Szelewski
