Dedicated to the memory of all the men and women of the South Staffordshire area who died during the two World Wars.
Charles William Hughes was born at Codsall on 30th October, 1895 - he was baptised at St Nicholas Church on 23rd February, 1896. He was the son of Charles Alfred Hughes, a general labourer, and his wife Catherine.
Charles worked as a Gardener Nurseryman before the outbreak of war. He enlisted at Wolverhampton on 14 November, 1914, shortly after his 19th birthday.
Charles was posted to the Royal Field Artillery as a Driver. He went to France on 23rd August 1915 as part of 61st Brigade RFA in the Guards Division. After a period on the Divisional Ammunition Column he was transferred to the Royal Engineers, joining N Special Company - a unit specialising in gas warfare.
Charles died at 32 Casualty Clearing Station, Brandhoek on 14th August, 1917, of multiple injuries received in action. The date and place of his death suggest that his unit was engaged in the Third Battle of Ypres (Passchendaele). He is buried at Brandhoek New Military Cemetery, Belgium - just to the West of Ypres.
Pioneer Charles Hughes, 192987 RE (previously 31430 RFA) was awarded the Victory and British War Medals and the 1914-15 Star.
This memorial has mostly been compiled from official sources. It would be good to be able to expand it with more personal material - memories, stories, photos, etc. If you have any suitable material or any corrections please contact Greg.