Story:
Charles Henry Morris Platt was born on 4th August 1898 in Wellingborough, Northamptonshire. He was the son of Arthur William Platt, a schoolmaster, and Annie Sophia Morris. Sadly, Charles’ father died on 13th November 1898 and his mother in 1905. He attended Shaftesbury Grammar School from January 1909 to December 1914 and appears on the 1911 Census as a boarder. While at the school he was a keen sportsman and played for the cricket team in 1913 and 1914. He was also member of the school football team in 1912, 1913 and 1914. In the Shaftesbury Grammar School Magazine he was described as “Centre Half. – After playing forward for two years, changed to centre half, and was a great success. Tackles well, and feeds his forwards with judgment. A good shot. Wants a little more pace.”

On leaving school Charles went to Sandhurst. He passed out in 1916 and received a commission in the Royal Warwickshire Regiment, Flying Corps Section, with the rank of 2nd. Lieutenant. He trained as a pilot and having “got his wings”, was posted to France. While with the 52nd Squadron he died there on 23rd November 1917, having “collided with another machine on the edge of a cloud,” according to the school magazine. He was buried at Zuydcoote Military Cemetery, Nord, France (grave. Id. II.D.25). His effects and medals (Victory and British War) were sent to his sister Kathleen Platt, who was living at Middleton Hall, Leeds at the time.

As a former pupil his name is recorded on the Shaftesbury Grammar School memorial in Shaftesbury School. Throughout the war a hand-written list was compiled of Shaftesbury Grammar School old boys serving in the armed forces. An asterix can be seen next to Charles’s name, indicating that he had died. The board is now at Gold Hill Museum.

Printed Sources:
Shaftesbury Grammar School Magazine, March 1915
Shaftesbury Grammar School Magazine, June 1917
Shaftesbury Grammar School Magazine, March 1918