Charles Ely – Royal Navy

Stoker Charles Ely – Royal Navy

Early Life and Family Background

Charles Ely was born in 1879 in Shoreditch, Middlesex, the son of George Ely and Maria Mary Heming.

1881 Census

The 1881 Census records the family living at 17 East Road, St Leonards, London, where George, aged thirty‑five, worked as a porter, and Maria, aged thirty‑three, was employed as a tie maker. Their children at home were Myria, thirteen; George, twelve; Elizabeth, ten; Henry, eight; Arthur, six; and Charles, aged two, all of whom attended school except the youngest. A baby, Sidney, just one month old, completed the household.

1891 Census – A Growing London Household

1891 Census

A decade later, the 1891 Census shows the Ely family living at 56 De Beauvoir Road, Hackney, London. George, now forty‑five, was working as a carman, while Maria, aged forty‑three, continued her work as a tie maker. Their children present were Arthur, sixteen, employed as a cabinet maker; Elizabeth, twenty, also a tie maker; Grace, seven; Maud, three; and Charles, aged twelve. The census reflects a busy London household shaped by manual trades and the steady growth of the family.

Early Naval Service

1901 Census

By the 1901 Census, Charles Ely had enlisted in the Royal Navy and was serving as a stoker aboard H.M.S. Vindictive, marking the beginning of a long naval career.

Marriage and Civilian Life

In 1907, Charles married Ada Louisa Thomas at Rochford, Essex.

1911 Census

The 1911 Census records the couple living at 23 South Avenue, Southend‑on‑Sea, where Charles, aged thirty‑one, was employed as a railway contractor’s labourer, and Ada, aged twenty‑six, managed the home. Their son, Charles E., aged three, was their only child at the time.

Navy Records

First World War Service

With the outbreak of the First World War, Charles re‑enlisted in the Royal Navy, once again serving as a stoker. His wartime service began aboard H.M.S. Hannibal in August 1914 and continued through several postings, ending with his final ship, H.M.S. Royal Arthur.

Death and Burial

British Army and Navy Birth, Marriage and Death Records

Charles Ely
St. Samlet Churchyard, Llansamlet
credit - findagrave

According to the British Army and Navy Birth, Marriage and Death Records, Charles Ely died on 14 November 1918 from illness, shortly after the Armistice. His body was brought to Llansamlet, where he was buried at St. Samlet Churchyard, one of the early naval burials connected to the First World War in the parish.