WWI 1915 Star and BWM. Downward. North Staffordshire Regiment. Served War in India. Hanley, Stoke on Trent

Correctly named 9248 Pte DC Downward N Staff R

Charles David Downwards was born to Edwin and Sarah Ann in 1892 in Stoke on Trent. In 1901 we find them living at 21 Trinity Street, Hanley, Stoke on Trent.

By 1911, David had already enlisted into the army and we now find him at Shorncliffe Camp, Cheriton, Folkestone. He held a second service number with the North Staffs, 5038966.

He was sent overseas with the 2nd Battalion North Staffs and his MIC indicates it was prior to the 1st of January 1916. He was sent to the Asiatic Theatre.

He is entitled to and India General Service Medal with a North West Frontier 1919 clasp.

2nd Battalion
August 1914 : in Rawalpindi. Part of 4th (Rawalpindi) Brigade in 2nd (Rawalpindi) Division. Remained in India throughout the war.
November 1914 : transferred to the Bannu Brigade and moved to the North West Frontier.
Returned to 2nd (Rawalpindi) Division in March 1915.
August 1917 : transferred to 45th (Jullundur) Brigade in 16th Indian Division.
November 1917 : transferred to 2nd (Nowshera) Brigade in 1st (Peshawar) Division.

The 1915 Star has an original silk ribbon and the BWM has a modern replacement.

David married Nellie Bennett in 1926.

He died in Mostyn, North Wales in April 1931. He was at the time living at 65 Church Street, Hanley, Stoke on Trent.