Charles Edward Kennard

Lance Corporal Charles Edward Kennard, was the only son of Richard and Eleanor Kennard of 34 Whitehorse Hill, Chislehurst.

He had joined the Army on his eighteenth birthday in April, 1918. 

He served with the 51st Battalion in the Bedfordshire Regiment during World War I.

He had served with the Army of Occupation in Germany and had been home on leave.  Returning to Ripon Camp on 12th September, he was taken ill a week or more later. He passed away before his family could arrive.  He died on the 23rd September 1919, aged 19.

His funeral had to be delayed because of the rail strike. The coffin got as far as Doncaster, but had to be sent back to York. It was brought home by motor-car and the funeral duly held at The Annunciation Church in Chislehurst.

A list of mourners including family members is given in the newspaper report which included Lieutenant-Corporal D. Allason, D.S.O.

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The reverse of his grave is commemorated to his father, Richard Kennared, who died on 4th May 1943(5) aged 85 years.