Richard Pendrall Charles – Royal Naval Reserve, H.M.S. Redbreast

Stoker Richard Pendrall Charles – Royal Naval Reserve, H.M.S. Redbreast

Family Background and Early Life

Edward Charles and Margaret Jane Davies
marriage certificate
St Mary’s Church, Swansea

Richard Pendrall Charles was born in 1884 in Swansea, the son of Edward Charles and Margaret Jane Davies, who were married in 1870 at St Mary’s Church, Swansea.

1891 Census

At the time of the 1891 Census, the Charles family were living at 4 Paxton Terrace, Swansea. Richard’s father, Edward (44), born in Liverpool, was employed as an engineer, while his mother Margaret (42) managed the household. Their children were Emily Jane (19), a dressmaker; Alice May, assisting her mother; Margaret Kate (12); Arthur Edward (9); Richard Pendrall (7), all attending school; David John (4); and Henry Louis (2).

1901 Census

By the 1901 Census, the family had moved to 82 Argyle Street, Swansea. Edward Charles, now 53, was working as an engine railway driver, and Margaret, aged 52, continued to manage the home. Their children present were Emily (29), a dressmaker; Alice (27), a barmaid; Katie (22), a nurse housemaid; Arthur (19); Richard (17), employed as a tin canister maker; David (15); and Harry (12). Also residing with the family was a niece, Janet Cochrane (23).

Marriage and Family Life

1911 Census

In 1905, Richard married Minnie Davies in Swansea. At the time of the 1911 Census, the couple were living at 9 Sloane Street, Swansea, in the household of Minnie’s parents.

The head of the household was William Davies (60), born in Devonshire, who was employed as a dock labourer, and his wife Louisa (57). Also present were Minnie Charles (29) and her husband Richard (29), who was likewise employed as a dock labourer, and their children Harry (6); Alice (4); and Doris (10 months). Other family members in the household included Gladys Squires (29); Josephine Squires (18); Percy (9); along with niece Mabel Bowen (17) and nephew Frederick (15).

Naval Service and Loss

H.M.S. Redbreast

Richard Pendrall Charles joined the Royal Naval Reserve, serving as a Stoker during the First World War. He was posted to H.M.S. Redbreast, a vessel originally built as a British passenger and cargo ship of 1,313 tons, constructed in 1908 by A. & J. Inglis at Pointhouse, Glasgow.

In 1915, Redbreast was requisitioned by the Admiralty and converted for naval service as a Fleet Messenger, a role that involved carrying dispatches, personnel, and supplies between naval units operating in distant theatres.

On 15^th July 1917, while on passage from the Skyros/Doro Channel in the Aegean Sea, Redbreast was torpedoed and sunk by the German submarine UC-38. The attack resulted in the loss of the ship and her crew, including Stoker Richard Pendrall Charles.

Commemoration

British army and Navy Birth, Marriage and Death Records

Richard Pendrall Charles
Plymouth Naval Memorial
credit - findagrave

Richard has no known grave, and his sacrifice is formally commemorated on the Plymouth Naval Memorial, which honours members of the Royal Navy and Royal Naval Reserve who lost their lives at sea during the First World War.