Charles John Ayres

This story and photo is shared by the Trust with kind permission from Mavis Williams, Researcher.

Charles John Ayres was born on the 8th of March 1924 at Dawley, Shropshire, the son of Charles Richard & Edith Ayres (née Ward) who had married in the December quarter of 1923 in the Madeley Registration District, Shropshire.

His parents had a classic girl next door romance as the 1921 census shows us Charles was living at No 71 High Street, Dawley and Edith's family was living at No 70, High Street although she wasn't there at the time of the census. The 1939 National Register, which was taken on the 29th of September 1939, we find Charles R. & Edith living next door to Edith’s mother, Fanny Ward, and her siblings. The address is still the same as on the 1921 census with Charles & Edith Ayres at No. 70 and Fanny Ward & family at No. 71 High Street, Dawley. Charles was working as a Iron Foundry Bolt Riveter Maker.

Sadly, I have no information on Charles John Ayres in his early or teen years, but he was to join the Royal Navy and served as a crew member on Landing Craft Infantry (Small) LCI(S) 524 of 547 Assault Flotilla.

They were assigned to land units on Sword Beach on D-Day. The craft was hit several times as they did the run-in and landing at around 08:40 but was able to disembark 41 (Royal Marine) Commando.  However, it was hit a number of times by crossfire when going back out to sea and exploded two miles off Ouistreham. There is no known place of burial for him, so he is commemorated on the Portsmouth Naval Memorial to the Missing, Hampshire.

British Normandy Memorial - Additional Information

Unfortunately, we do not have a photo of Charles Ayres. If you are aware of one, or you are related to Charles, we would love to hear from you so we can add to his story.