Charles Dignum

Service no. 85417

Private, Durham Light Infantry, 1st/6th Bn.

Died on 19 September 1918, aged about 22

Remembered at Niederzwehren Cemetery, Kassel, Hessen, Germany

Information from the 1911 census

In 1911 Charles Dignum was a 15-year-old errand boy living in two rooms at 14 Carfax Square, Clapham with his parents, James Dignum, 46, a chimney sweep born in Clapham and Emily Dignum, 45, born in Wimbourne, Dorset, and brother Arthur Dignum, 13, an errand boy like his brother. Both brothers were born in Clapham. Eversleigh Johnson, 7, was staying with the family on the night of the census.

Carfax Square, off Clapham Park Road, is now gone. It stood approximately where Carfax Place is now. Charles Booth described it as "poor" with dirty children playing in the street.

British Army Service Records

Lived at 11 St Alphonsus Road, Clapham

Attested 11 December 1915 (to Army Reserve 12 December 1915)

Mobilized 3 January 1917

Posted to RE as sapper

5 feet 5 inches tall

chest 35.5 inches + 2.5 inches expansion

1st finger on ? hand missing

"fresh [complexion], hazel [eyes], brown [hair]"

NOK Emily Dignum (mother)

Father was James (deceased)

Died at the Darmstadt Prisoner of War Hospital. Translation of death notice is in records dated 19 Sep 1918 (stamped at York 19 Dec 1918). Gives occupation as iron worker. Signed Geissberg, Colonel and Camp Commandant.

Form describing trade and special qualifications - says Dignum was proficient as a driller. Says he was "very superior" as a boilermaker and inland dock operator.

Joined Inland Motor Transport unit 28 Jan 1917 and at least three times admitted to hospital.

Transferred to DLI (April 1918?). Was in Army Reserve - file has paper telling him to rejoin for service.

Unmarried.

Medical history taken at Camberwell on 13 October 1916

121 pounds

Physical development "fair"

Went missing on 1 June 1918. Notes as a prisoner of war. Death listed "cause not stated"

Served 2 years 283 days