Charles Werrell Lapworth was born in 1898 in Paddington, the son of William Thomas Lapworth (1865-1946) and Eliza Charlotte Lapworth née Werrell (1868-1955). His birth was registered in the 2nd quarter of 1898 in the Paddington registration district, London.
In the 1901 he is shown as aged 3 years, living in a 4 roomed property at 2 Chariot Mews, Paddington, with his parents and two sisters: Florence Emma Lapworth (1894-1976) and Beatrice Ellen Lapworth (1896-1965). His father was described a 'night man livery yard'.
He was shown as 'at school' in the 1911 census, aged 13 years, still residing at 2 Chariot Mews, Seymour Street, London, with his parents and his three surviving siblings: Florence; Beatrice and Grace Christabel Lapworth (1903-1992). The census form show that his mother had six children, but two had died. His father was described as a 'night watchman motor garage', whilst his sisters were shown as: Florence - dressmaker's assistant; Beatrice - (artist) art decorator and Grace - at school.
In March 1915 he enlisted as a Rifleman in the 9th (County of London) Battalion, The London Regiment (Queen Victoria's Rifles), service number 4142. On 1 January 1917 his service number was changed to 391348 and he entered France on 3 February 1917.
He was serving in his regiment's 2nd/9th Battalion when he was killed in action, aged 19 years, on 26 September 1917 whilst attacking the German positions just north of St Julien, Belgium, as part of the 3rd Ypres offensive. As he has no known grave he is commemorated on Stone 151.A on the Tyne Cot Memorial to the Missing in the Tyne Cot Cemetery, Vijfwegestraat, 8980 Zonnebeke, Belgium.
On 22 October 1918 his army effects totalling £10-11s-10d were sent to his father who was also sent his £11-10s-0d war gratuity on 31 October 1919. On 2 January 1920 his mother applied for his posthumously awarded British War Medal 1914-1918 and Victory Medal. These were sent to her at 24 Gloucester Square, Hyde Park, London, W2.
He is shown as Lapworth. G.W. Rfle. 9th.Lon.Q.V.R. on the Quebec Chapel war memorial. He is also commemorated on the Commonwealth War Graves Commission's website and the Imperial War Museum's Lives of the First World War website.
Credit for this entry to: Andrew Behan.
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