| AdminHistory | Charles May was born in 1889 at Dunedin, New Zealand, the son of Edward Charles May and Susan Laura May. He came to Britain with his parents in 1902 and settled in Leytonstone, Essex. He was engaged in the family business - his father was an electrician and had invented a new electric fire alarm. Some time before the First World War he joined the territorials, serving with the short-lived King Edward's Horse, and became an accomplished horseman. He married Bessie Maude Holl in 1912 and they had a daughter, Pauline, who was born on 20 July 1914. He worked as a journalist for the Manchester Evening News and also contributed a number of short stories for publication. He joined 'B' Company, 22nd (Service) Battalion the Manchester Regiment in 1915. Captain May saw active service in France and was killed at the age of 27 on the first day of the Battle of the Somme. He formed a close relationship with his batman, Arthur Bunting, who tried desperately to save him, manging to pull him back to the trench regardless of his own injuries. Before he was killed, Captain May had asked a fellow soldier, Captain Frank Earles, to contact his wife and take care of her if necessary. Frank did so and fell in love with Bessie, marrying her in May 1919.
Captain May is buried at the Dantzig Alley British Cemetery, Mametz near the Somme.
Biographical information kindly supplied by Gerry Harrison. |
