Charles Alexander Kerrell of Newport Monmouthshire, S. Wales, served in South Africa as part of the Grenadier Guards in the first period of service. He returned to civilian life but was paid three shillings and sixpence extra as an army reserve. He was called up to serve as Serjeant in the 9th Battalion of the Loyal North Lancashire Regiment. He landed in France 26th September 1915. On June 7th he took part in one of the major and most spectacular battles officially known a the Battle of Messines Ridge where nineteen explosions were set underneath German strong points and was said to be heard in London. The ridge was taken with relative ease but during the advance that followed Charles Kerrell lost his life. He left a wife and three sons. The youngest my Grandfather.

Debbie Kerrell