Charles Hosmer RIMINGTON (1884-1968)

Charles Hosmer Rimington (1884-1968) was a colleague of George Sladden in the 15th (County of London) Battalion, The London Regiment (Prince of Wales’ Own, Civil Service Rifles).

Charles Rimington was born in 1884 in Leamington Spa, Warwickshire, the son of William Edye Rimington, a bank ledger clerk, and his wife, Agnes Margaret (née Mason).  His early childhood was spent in Edgbaston; the family then moved to Plymouth.

Charles became a bank clerk with the Bank of England and moved to London.  He married Grace Mabel Winifred Walker Chandler on 1st September 1908 at St Peter’s Church, Croydon, Surrey.  They had one son, John Hosmer (1909-1964).

Shortly after the start of the Great War, the Civil Service Rifles were sent to St Albans.  The infantry Transport Section consisted of 47 men, 15 waggons and 50-60 horses, with one officer and six NCOs in charge.  Charles Rimington, along with George, was one of the NCOs, but George did not much care for him.

Rimington became 2nd Lieutenant on 9th September 1914.  A letter of 23rd September 1914 reveals that he moved to the Reserve Battalion and his path does not appear to have crossed with George’s path for the duration of the war.

In The London Gazette of 8th December 1916, 2nd Lieutenant Rimington (temporary Captain) of the London Regiment was gazetted to be Lieutenant (temporary Captain) from 1st October 1916; he had arrived in France on 23rd June 1916.

Charles died in 1968 in the Worthing district of Sussex, aged 84; his wife and son had died before him.