Charles's Story.
Birkenhead News 13 June 1917News has been received of the death from wounds, on June 3rd, of Gunner Charles Brannan, son of Mrs. Sarah Thompson, now of 74, Russell Road, Rock Ferry, and of the late Mr. Arthur Brannan, who resided at 2, Brunswick Street, Rock Ferry, and who was a well-known plasterer in that district. He was 23 years of age, and had been in France about six months. Before joining the forces a year ago he was a plater’s help at Messrs. Grayson’s Liverpool works.
One of the officers, writing on June 4th to Mrs. Thompson, said :- “I am extremely sorry that I have to inform you of the death of your son Charles, who died of wounds on the afternoon of the 3rd inst. I myself was quickly on the spot, and saw that all care and attention was at once given to him. He was practically unconscious while I was with him. Unfortunately medical skill was useless, and he succumbed in the afternoon, but was in no pain. He was most popular, and all his comrades, who quickly grew to like him, join with me in expressing their deepest sympathy to you in your great and irreparable bereavement. I am glad to say he was able to get over and see his brother last week, who is nearby. He had often acted as my personal runner, and I knew and liked him. He was a keen and energetic soldier, always cheerful and willing in his duty. He was buried this afternoon by the Roman Catholic chaplain. He lies in the military cemetery, and a cross has been erected to his memory.”
Two brothers of the deceased soldier are with the services – namely, Arthur, who is in France, and Frederick, who is in the Navy (on H.M.S. Benbow); while a third, John, is in training at the present time.