Royal Artillery
Born: 15th April 1906
Story
Charles was the son of Thomas Toes (06.01.1872 – 1956) and Ada J Young (07.08.1873 – 1957), of 10 School Lane, later re-named Westfield Lane. Before the War, Charles worked as a bus conductor.
Gunner Toes served in the Middle-East, and on 3rd September 1943 Charles wrote a letter back to a friend in Kippax, in which he wrote:
“I know you like to know how all the Kippaxites are going on that are away. First I must say I have had a great time; seen some nice places and wonderful scenery. The Arabs are very interesting and amusing, with their quaint clothes and broken English; and they will do anything for us. When we go into a town every kid comes around us yelling ‘Shoe-shine Johnnie.’ Here we are in a very pleasant spot, in a wood, and near to the sea, which is a lovely blue colour. We spend every afternoon in the sea and on the beach. We get the news printed in special Army newspapers, I am sending you a copy on so I hope you get it OK. We got a couple of hens given, and we have managed to raise four chickens. They keep the scorpions down. We have had plenty of fruit, straight from the trees. Yesterday was Bank Holiday Monday. The weather was glorious, and we had a swimming competition. Everywhere we go we see healthy bronzed fellows. I’ve met a lad from Swillington Common and one from Allerton Bywater. Well I hope everything is OK at Kippax. All the best, and keep smiling.”
After the War, Charles returned to Kippax, and remained with his parents at 10 School Lane, but he passed away in March 1953, at the age of just 46, and was buried at Kippax.
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