Company Sergeant Major Charles Coomber

Army Number: 8488

Battalion: 10th Battalion Sherwood Foresters (Notts & Derbys) Regiment.

Awards: D.C.M. (Distinguished Conduct Medal)

Born at Fulham, London 27 March 1887. Son of William and Eliza Coomber of 18, Francis Street, Hammersmith, London. He enlisted in London on 4th November 1902 aged 14. He served in India from 5th January 1909 to 2nd September 1914. He went to France on 4th November 1914. He was treated at the Majestic Hotel, Paris for frostbite on 3rd December 1914, before being sent on to No. 2 General Hospital at Bailleul, France. He was then transported to England via Hospital Ship Asturias on the 20th December 1914. He rejoined his battalion in France on 22nd February 1916, being promoted to Corporal on 15th July 1916 and Sergeant on 18th August 1916.

He was awarded the D.C.M. London Gazette on 19th November 1917

” For conspicuous gallantry and devotion to duty in an attack. When all the officers of his company were casualties, he led his company to their objective with great determination. He showed great courage and energy in the consolidation of the position and set a splendid example to his men.”

He was promoted to Company Sergeant Major on 23rd April 1918.

He died on 24th August 1918 at No.3 General Hospital at Le Treport, France from the effects of a heavy gas bombardment at Proyart, France on the 15th August 1918.

Buried: St. Sever Cemetery Extension, Rouen, France. Plot Q, III, Row I, Grave 18.