Charlie Dibben

Story:
Charlie (sometimes known as Charles) Dibben was born in Twyford, Compton Abbas, Nr. Shaftesbury, Dorset, on 8th January 1899, the son of Alfred Dibben and Sarah Ann Dibben (née Rideout). At the time of the 1911 Census the family was living at 45 Twyford, Compton Abbas. He enlisted on 6th January 1917 but was not embodied until 22nd May 1918 when he joined the 25th Cavalry Reserve Battalion of the Hussars (Service No. H/69362). On 22nd May 1918 he was transferred to the 7th Battalion of the Tank Corps as a Private (Service No. 311932).  He served in France from 28 Oct 1918 and was eventually discharged on 24th February 1919. He was awarded the Victory and British War medals.  

The 1921 Census shows him living with his parents a Horders Farm, Melbury Abbas, Shaftesbury, where he was assisiting his father on the farm. He married Gladys J. Rideout in Wokingham, Berkshire in during 1928 and there was thought to have been one child of the marriage.  The 1939 Register shows him still living at Horders Farm, French Mill Lane, Melbury Abbas, Shaftesbury, Dorset, described as a Dairy Farmer.  He died in the North Dorset Registration District on 20th July 1986 whilst living at 13 Coppice Street, Shaftesbury, Dorset.  Of his brothers, Frank Dibben was killed in action and Claude Dibben served but survived.