1/5th Battalion, Gloucestershire Regiment
Charles Alfred J Kingscote was born in Gloucester on in 1893. He was the son of Charles F and Emily Marie Kingscote (née Gresty). Charles (senior) was a ‘deal porter’ and at the time of the 1911 Census the family lived at 30 Alma Place, Bristol Road, Gloucester. Charles (junior) had two sisters Laura Emily Peggy (born 1900) and Edith (born 1907) — another sibling had died prior to the census. Charles (junior) recorded his occupation as a mill hand in a saw mill.
The Gloucestershire Journal of 26 September 1914 has a list those enlisting in the 5th Battalion, Gloucestershire Regiment and 2469 Private C A J Kingscote is shown as joining since the embodiment of the battalion on 5 August and being placed in ‘A’ Company and a posting to Chelmsford for training on 1 September 1914.
It would appear that there was a question as to his fitness as, at a date unknown, he transferred to 314th Protection Company, Royal Defence Corps (RDC) and given the number 39822. The RDC was formed in 1916 and was composed of soldiers too old or unfit for front line service. Their role was to provide security and guard duty in the UK, notably involving ports, bridges and prisoner of war camps.
It is believed that Charles Kingscote died of illness in Gloucester on 6 June 1921, aged 28. It is not known whether or not he was serving with the RDC at the time.
He was buried in Gloucester Old Cemetery, where a standard CWGC headstone now marks his grave.
Researched by Graham Adams 9 June 2017