A self confessed "Hustler" who probably worked the snooker halls of
north London during his late teens and early twenties. Charles should
have turned professional like his fellow players, the Davis brothers,
Joe, seven times world snooker champion and Fred who also won the world
championship. He was certainly a brilliant snooker player, even capable
of well beating his eldest son, a regular player at the time, over one
frame having given away a 100 point start, in early 1967 having not
played for more than 30 years.
Leaving school Charles started a career in carpentry but for some
reason, and at an unknown age, turned to his fathers trade of millenary
and became a craftsman blocker, working for the renown Jackol company.
He had a a wicked sense of humour but not as mad as a hatter, which
comes from the wide use of Mercury in the millenary trade.
Following Dunkirk Charles voluntarily offered himself to King & Country.
Just missing the chance to sign up for the Eighth Army, his first
choice. However as a Gunner in the Royal Artillery he followed his
favored regiment all around the Far-East. Traveling to and from home and
his postings aboard ship via South Africa. Often meeting one or more of
his eight brothers, especially Arthur also stationed in Egypt, who all
served during the conflict.
During his term of duties, in Egypt, Charles was picked to act as pall
barer for an eminent Egyptian, and found training for three days
performing the slow march a great stain on the legs.
He served with the colours from 14th November 1940 to 31st March 1948
and released to Army Reserve till 15th December 1955. Serving overseas
in Egypt 13th March 1943 to 28th October 1945 where he served with the
following Batteries of Heavy Anti-Aircraft Regiments, 312/54, 248/120,
656/194 and 288/93 before finally being posted to 1 Radio Unit before
his return to Blighty where he was posted to D Battery Depot prior to
de-mob.
According to army records his Military Conduct was Exemplary, with the
following testimonial. "Reliable and trustworthy soldier with respect
for officers and NCO's. Keen sense of duty and an enthusiastic worker."
Following de-mob Charles continued his employment with Jacoll until the
spring of 1959, when after a row with a foreman he walked out and never
returned to millenary. With Kevin his youngest child barely six month
old, the roof off the family home as it was in midst of being replaced,
Charles decided to join in the profession of another of his family, his
brother Tom, joining London Transport as a bus conductor. Based at the
Merton garage, working routes 151, 152 and 155 Charles was never happier
at work.
At home if not asleep in his favorite chair Charles would always be
found tending the garden or in the shed healing and soleing the families
leather foot ware. He even kept his old army boots in perfect condition
up until the day he died. He was also a keen DIY'er, with all the family
joining in. It was not unknown for a room to be completely stripped,
re-painted and papered in a single weekend.
His favorite past time though was his garden growing, tomatoes and
cucumbers in the greenhouse and other vegetables outside. Whilst tending
the flower beds and is favorite of all Dahlia's of all sizes.
Spouse: Alma Lilian Baggarley (Married 31-Jul-1938)
Children:
Charles Edward's Heritage
Parents:
Siblings: