53331 Private Charles William Neal
16th Battalion Welch Regiment
31st July 1917
Born on14/03/1897 at 75 St James Street, Birmingham. He was baptised on 04/04/1897. His parents were
Charles William Neal (15/10/1869-1904) and Rosina Hochkins (08/10/1874-1952). They were married on 25/12/1896.
Charles had a brother George Frederick (01/03/1902-18/07/1965) and a sister May Rosina (12/07/1899-10/06/1978).
In the 1901 census, the family were recorded as living at 1 block of 88 Lawley Street, Birmingham. Charles snr was employed as a
brush tradesman.
In 1904 Charles' father died and his mother remarried in 1907 to Henry Caddick (1859-1921) and they went on to have 4 children,
Rose Emma (01/01/1908-2003), Harry Thomas (09/12/1909-1981), Elsie Elizabeth (25/09/1912-1988)
and Leslie Arthur (12/11/1919-1083).
In the 1911 census, the family were recorded as living at 8 Rowland Street, Birmingham. Charles was now working as a
warehouse boy and his step father was employed as a non brazier kettle maker.
Charles enlisted in Birmingham as Private 46167 in the Worcester Regiment and for reason unknown (his service record has not survived), he was transferred as Private 55531 into the 16th Battalion Welch Regiment.
He was killed in action on 31/07/1917.
Charles was awarded the 1914-1918 British War and Allied Victory medals.
His mother received a pension of 8/6 a week from 26/03/1918 .