Service Number 25958
Service Army
Battalion 10th Battalion
Regiment West Riding Regiment
Buried Otley
Rank | Number | Unit |
Private | SE 21621 | Royal Army Veterinary Corps |
Biography
Charles William Groves was born on the 1st March 1876 in Collingham, the son of a farmer, Charles Groves (Snr) and his wife, Sarah A. Groves. In 1881, and again in 1891, the family were living at Beck House, in Back Street, Collingham, but by 1901, they were living in Sicklinghall.
On the 3rd May 1898, Charles William Groves married Hannah Maria Hewitt, in St.Oswald's Church, Collingham. In 1911, Charles William was living again in Collingham with his family which included Charles Hewitt Groves (born in 1900 - see separate entry), Harold (born 1901) and Arthur (born 1910). The census entry also reveals that Charles and Hannah must have suffered some family trauma in the early 1900s as the census entry shows they had had 5 children, of whom only three had survived to 1911.
On outbreak of war, Charles William Groves was aged 38 and perhaps thought that he would be too old for service, however as British losses mounted and conscription started, Charles became eligible for service. Once called up, men were allowed to appeal against their call up if they felt they were in an occupation that was important for the national interest, and Charles, as a farmer, was in that position. In 1917, therefore, he appealed against his call up and we find a report in the Wetherby News: -
Charles William Groves was therefore exempt from military service, for the time, but manpower was in short supply and the country was looking to make sure that all who could serve, were called up.
On November 2nd 1917, the Wetherby News updated its readers about Charles' case at the Tribunal:
We believe that, at some stage after that, Charles William Groves was called up for service. His medal roll entry shows that he was first in the 10th Battalion West Riding Regiment as Private 25957 Groves, but perhaps due to his farming experience and skills, he later transferred to the Royal Army Veterinary Corps with the service number SE/21621. We believe that all of Charles' service was in the UK.
After the war Charles William Groves returned to Collingham. From 1919 until around 1927 he lived with his family on Main Street, Collingham, but in 1928 his address in the electoral roll is given as Hill Top, Collingham. From 1930 until 1939 he lived at Providence Cottage, Collingham. At some time during world war 2 he moved again, but staying in Collingham and now living at 7 Garth End, Collingham. In 1939 he was at that address and gave his occupation as a retired garage manager. He remained at 7 Garth End until 1957/8, when he moved a few doors to 14 Garth End.
Charles William Groves died in Otley on the 16th July 1960.
Biography last updated 27 November 2019 13:34:47.
Sources
1911 Census. The National Archives. Class RG14 Piece 25962
The Wetherby News 31/8/1917 & 2/11/1917
First World War Medal Index Cards. The National Archives (WO372).
First World War Medal Index Rolls. The National Archives (WO329).
If you have any photographs or further details about this person we would be pleased to hear from you. Please contact us via: alan.berry@collinghamanddistrictwararchive.info