| Allen Charles was born in Desertmartin about 1921.
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| The family lived in Desertmartin in what is now a shop in front of the Orange Hall.
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| Known family: Robert Charles, Mother unknown, Robert Charles, Allen Charles (born about 1921), Andrew Charles (half-brother).
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| As a young man Allen went to live in Weston-Super-Mare, Somerset, England.
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| Allen Charles married Mavis Charles.
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| Lance Sergeant Allen Charles was serving with the 1st (Airborne) Battalion of the Royal Ulster Rifles when he was killed by friendly fire on 8th June 1944 during the Normandy landings.
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| The circumstances of his death were as follows:-
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| ‘Later in the day a salvo of artillery shells fell on part of the Battalion defences destroying one of the anti-tank guns, killing five men and wounding nine others. One of the wounded was Captain Jimmy Browne, hit by shrapnel close to Company HQ in an orchard. Jimmy was not one of the Battalion’s sportsmen, much preferring more academic interests, not to mention good food and wine. As the stretcher-bearers struggled to bring his generous frame to the RAP a strongly built French farmer lent a welcome hand. While being treated Jimmy complained that he had trained for four years for a war in which he had lasted forty-eight hours. Harry Pegg was among those who assisted with the recovery of the wounded, a wheelbarrow being used to convey many of the injured men to the RAP. Those killed were Lance Sergeant Charles Allen, Rifleman Patrick Mullins, Rifleman Edward Payne and Rifleman Starr. Corporal Raynham of the Signals Platoon was taken to the RAP, but died of his wounds.’
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| From the Mid Ulster Mail dated 1st July 1944: Magherafelt
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| Relatives of Sergeant Allen Charles, of Desertmartin, have been notified of his death in Normandy. He was one of the airborne troops and was killed in action. His wife is living in England.
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| From the Mid Ulster Mail dated 8th July 1944: Roll of Honour
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| CHARLES – Killed in action in France in June 1944,Sergeant Allen Charles, Airborne Division, fourth son of Robert Charles and Mrs Charles of Desertmartin, and loving brother of Robert Charles of Motalee; Harry and William Charles of Desertmartin, and Andy Charles, Inniskilling Fusiliers.
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‘His warfare is over, his battle fought
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His victory won, though dearly bought.
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His fresh young life he gladly gave
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He slumbers now in a hero’s grave.’
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| From the Mid Ulster Mail dated 15th July 1944: Desertmartin
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| At the weekly parade of the Desertmartin Platoon of the Ulster Home Guard, Lieutenant T C Chestnutt paid a tribute in the memory of Sergeant Allen Charles when, before joining up, was a member of the platoon and was recently killed in action on the Normandy front. Lieutenant Chestnutt said:-
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| Tonight we salute the memory of Sergeant Allen Charles, of the Airborne Division, who fell in the Battle of Normandy. Allen Charles heard the call of duty to his country and responded to it, first of all in the service of the Ulster Home Guard. He served with distinction in this platoon. We all remember his comradeship, his bright clean, life, while he was with us, and he remained unspoiled. Then, impatient to be amongst those who also serve who only stand and wait, he wanted to serve his country in a greater way. He joined the Royal Ulster Rifles and attained the rank of corporal. Then he joined the more daring service of the Airborne Division and later gained the rank of sergeant.
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| He knew well the risk he was taking. I had a conversation with him some time ago about his new duties, and he was well aware of the danger that lay ahead; as a good soldier he braved all he knew, and all the unknown, with a good heart. He was a good lad and a ready lad. I will borrow a tribute from one of Kipling’s jingles to describe him.
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‘He scarce has need to doff his pride, or slough the dress of earth.
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Even as he trod that day to God so walked he from this birth
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In simpleness and gentleness and honour and clean mirth.’
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| The lesson of the sacrifice of this young life is - this is the price of peace. His memory will inflame us with inspiration and encouragement as we try to do our duty, and haunt us with derision if we neglect it. Let us never forget him. He was one of the lads of our village. He died for you and me, doing his duty.
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‘Not the be-medalled commander, beloved of the throne,
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Riding cock horse to parade when the bugles are blown,
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But the lads who carried the koppie and cannot be known,
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Of these shall my songs be fashioned, my tales be told.
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| (John Masefield)
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| Lance Sergeant Allen Charles is buried in Ranville Cemetery, north of Caen in northern France.
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| The inscription on his grave reads: TO LIVE IN THE HEARTS OF THOSE WE LOVE IS NOT TO DIE
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| His half-brother, Andrew Charles, also served with the Royal Ulster Rifles during the D-Day. He survived the war.
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| The CWGC record Lance Sergeant Allen Charles as the son of Mr and Mrs Robert Charles, He is also recorded as the husband of Mavis Charles of Weston-Super-Mare, Somerset, England.
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| Many thanks to Dr Andrew Charles BA (Hons) M.M., MRes, for all the information and photos here. He is the great-nephew of Allen. Thanks to WW2-NI for the circumstances of death.
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