Charles Thomas Twitchen
Sergeant 137931 237th Field Coy.,
Royal Engineers
Division 59
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Charles Thomas Twitchen grave is marked by a CWGC war pattern headstone. The Standard November 1st 1919 carried the report of his death at the Royal Berks. Hospital of lobar pneumonia and bronchitis. He was the dearly loved husband of Mary Twitchen, of 151, Belmont Rd, also late of the Working Men’s Club Pangbourne, aged 41 years. The 1911 census indicated that he was serving as the steward of the club.
An account appears in the Standard November 1st 1919 of Reading’s Own entertained in the Town Hall – a picture of 32nd and 35th Divisional Signal Company’s and 237th Field Co. raised wholly and trained in Reading. At the event the death of Sergeant Twitchen was remarked upon.
“A very sad incident occurred, only two days before the dinner, to one who was looking forward to be present, namely, Sergeant Twitchen, of the 237th Field Co. He was wounded and gassed at the front, but recovered and was demobilised a week or two ago. When he was discharged he went straight to his work and refused to put in an application for a disability pension, as he said he was quite fit for a good day’s work still, though his wife, knowing his weak condition, urged him to do so. He suddenly caught a cold, however, and owing to his debilitated state he developed pneumonia, and getting rapidly worse, died on the evening of October 22nd. It is particularly unfortunate that he was not examined for disability when leaving the army, as his wife is now ineligible for any pension or gratuity.
If there are any of his old friends who would like to contribute to a fund for his wife, any sums will be gratefully received by Sergeant L.V. Earthy, 80 London St. or Mr Leonard Sutton, Market Place, Reading and handed to the widow as a token of sympathy from his late comrades, which would be very much appreciated and a great help.”
