Charles Belbin

Story:
Charles Belbin was born in 1887 in Blandford, Dorset, and was baptised there on 19th October 1887. He was the son of Harry Belbin, a tin smith, and Elizabeth Belbin (nee Tucker), who died in 1900.   In 1901 Charles was working as an errand boy and living in the family home at 11 St. James Street, Shaftesbury.  He enlisted as a Private in the 1st Battalion of the Dorsetshire Regiment (Service No. 16886). He served in France and Flanders and was awarded the Victory and British War medals. He was killed in action on the Somme on 11th May 1918 whilst serving with the 6th Battalion and was buried in the field. His body was recovered after the Armistice and was reinterred at the newly created Bouchoir New British War Cemetery, Somme, France (grave id.IV.D.88). He is remembered on the Park Walk and St. James’ war memorials. His name also appears on the Roll of Honour in St. James’ Church and on the Holy Trinity Memorial, now in St. Peter's Church, Shaftesbury. His sister, Annie Belbin, who acted as housekeeper to father, Harry, was awarded a dependent's pension initially of 2s.6d (12p.) jointly with her father (who died in 1931) covering both brothers who were killed. Of his brothers', William John Belbin also lost his life whereas Frederick Belbin and George Reginald Belbin survived the conflict.