memorial plaque

Flat shield-shaped plaque, metal with five machined holes around edges for wall fittings, the obverse features an engraved crucifix, insignia and inscription infilled with black and red paint, the inscription reads "TO THE GLORY OF GOD AND IN LOVING MEMORY OF PRIVATE CHARLES F. SKINNER SCOUTMASTER AND TEACHER. 24th LONDON REGT. (QUEEN'S) KILLED IN ACTION OCTOBER 21st 1916 AGED 23. A GOOD SOLDIER OF THE LORD JESUS.", the insignia featured are the Paschal Lamb above scroll device inscribed "QUEEN'S" and the fleur-de-lys in circle with motto "BE PREPARED".

The majority of these plaques were manufactured at the Woolwich Arsenal and other former munitions factories. The plaque was accompanied by an illuminated scroll in full colour and a printed letter bearing the cyclostyled signature of The King. The letter, from Buckingham Palace, reads: 'I join with my grateful people in sending you this memorial of a brave life given for others in the Great War' George RI.' The Scroll reads: 'HE whom this scroll commemorates was numbered among those who, at the call of King and Country, left all that was dear to them, endured hardness, faced danger, and finally passed out of the sight of men by the path of duty and self-sacrifice, giving up their own freedom. Let those who come after see to it that his name be not forgotten.' The individual's name appeared underneath and was hand written in either dark blue(Royal Navy), red (Army) or light blue (Royal Air Force). The plaque and letter were sent by post -the plaque contained in a heavy-duty brown card cover, but the Scroll was sent separately in a cardboard tube. This plaque commemorates G/5441 Corporal John Crayston Bolton MM who was killed in action on 27th June 1917 while serving with The Signal Section of 'A' Company, 8th Battalion Queen's Own (Royal West Kent Regiment). Corporal Bolton, who was 22 years of age and the son of James Bolton (dec'd) and Harriet Bolton, came from Tunbridge Wells, Kent. He was killed during the Third Battle of Ypres. He has no known grave and is commemorated on the Ypres memorial, the Menin Gate, (Panel 45 and 47). There were a number of plaques issued to commemorate women who were killed in the First World War or who died as a direct result and these bear the legend 'SHE+DIED+FOR+FREEDOM++AND HONOUR'.

Charles Frederick Skinner died on 21st October 1916 serving as 7515 with 'C' Company of the 2/24th London Regiment. He was aged 23, the son of Stephen J and Rose Skinner of 18 Byron Avenue, East Ham, London. He is buried in Louez Military Cememtery, Duisans, France (Plot II, Row G, Grave 8). His brother was also killed, and medals are in IWM collection (see OMD 6505, 6506). Found uncatalogued in A8.

(obverse) TO THE GLORY OF GOD AND IN LOVING MEMORY OF PRIVATE CHARLES F. SKINNER SCOUTMASTER AND TEACHER. 24th LONDON REGT. (QUEEN'S) KILLED IN ACTION OCTOBER 21st 1916 AGED 23. A GOOD SOLDIER OF THE LORD JESUS.