Charles Howard Agg

Mysteries of the Swansea Cenotaph

There were several men that were commemorated on the memorial several times.  Names were given at the time either by loved ones, or work mates or friends.  Names were given and accepted.

With thanks from Mr Gary Williams, who sent me a photo, to highlight one of the names.

Charles Agg
RAF
Swansea Cenotaph
credit - Mr Gary Williams 

On the list of names of casualties from Royal Air Force, commemorated is a Charles Agg; also commemorated in the Army section is a Charles Howard Agg.

Was there a Charles Agg, who served with the Royal Air Force and was a casualty during the First World War? 

A search on the Commonwealth War Graves Commission website, indicates that there was only one Agg – William Tom Agg – who lost his life during the war, on the 26^th of October 1918. He is buried at Newport Cemetery, Lincoln.

Charles Howard Agg
Army
Swansea Cenotaph
credit - Mr. Gary Williams 

So, this isn’t our man.  However, there are eight Agg, who served with the Army, and were casualties during the duration of the First World War, including Charles Howard Agg, who is one that commemorated on the memorial.

Information from the website shows that Charles, was ranked as a Gunner and he served with the Royal Field Artillery, “Y” 19^th Trench Mortar Battery.  He died on the 22^nd of March 1918 and is commemorated on the Arras Memorial.

What other information is there regarding Charles?

Charles who was born in 1880, was the son of Edward Agg and Elizabeth Turner.

At the time of the 1881 Census, the Agg family were residing at Glassrumney Lodge, Rumney

1881 Census

Edward, aged 29, was employed as a Gardener, while Elizabeth was also aged 29.  Their children were

William E., aged 6, who attended school; Florence Annie, aged 4, and Charles Howard, aged 1.  His place of birth was recorded as Rumney.

A decade later, at the time of the 1891 Census the family had grown, and they were living at Nant Coch Lodge, Nisca Road, St. Woollos.

1891 Census

Edward, aged 39, was employed as a Farm Bailiff, while Elizabeth who was also aged 39.  Their children were

William E., aged 16, who was employed as Labourer; Florence A., aged 16; Charles H., aged 11; Laura, aged 9; John, aged 5; Gladys, aged 3, who attended school, while the youngest child was Edward, aged 6 months.

The 1901 Census records that the family are now living at 10 Trafalgar Place, Swansea.

1901 Census

Edward, aged 46, is now employed as a park keeper, while Elizabeth, who is also 46.  Their children are

Charles, aged 21, who is employed like his father as a park keeper; Laura, aged 19; John, aged 15, who is employed as a shop grocer messenger; Glayds, aged 13, and Edward, aged 10.

Later that year, 1901, Charles married Rose Helen Nash at St. Gabriels.

Charles Howard Agg and Rose Helen Nash
marriage certificate
St. Gabriels

At the time of the 1911 Census, Charles and Rose were living at 2 Langland Street

1911 Census

Charles, aged 31, was employed as a Gardener (parks), while Rose, aged 32. Their children are

Kenneth, aged 4; Leslie, aged 3, and Ronald, aged 2.

Army Register of Soldiers Effects

 Cambrian Daily Leader

Charles who died on the 22^nd of March 1918, at the 5^th London Field Ambulance. The Cambrian Daily Leader published an article in regard to Charles’ death.