Charles Hugh Hanna

Sergeant, London Regiment (Prince of Wales' Own Civil Service Rifles)

Age 15, Class Tech. B: 'Has good ability.'

Charles Hugh Hanna was a student at Alleyn’s until 1910. During this time, he lived at 122 Friern Road, East Dulwich with his mother, Elizabeth, his two brothers, Arthur and Walter, and his sister, Frances. After leaving Alleyn’s at the age of 17, Charles decided to continue his studies at the Strand School in South London. However, after the outbreak of war in August 1914, he decided to join the war effort. Charles’ brother, Arthur, was already a part of the British forces and had been serving in the Royal Navy since 1911. Unlike his brother, Charles decided to sign up to the Army rather than the Navy and joined the Territorial Force as part of the London Regiment (Prince of Wales’ Own Civil Service Rifles). He volunteered for overseas service almost immediately after joining and left England the following year in August 1915. He served overseas as a Sergeant and saw service on the Western Front where he specialised as a bomber. During his service overseas, his actions in battle saw him earn the Military Medal, a military decoration awarded to other ranks for acts of gallantry and devotion to duty under fire. Charles served until the end of the war and after being discharged returned to England at a new address in Upland Road, East Dulwich.