Henry Charles Simmons was born on 6th October 1934 in Khanspur, India where his Father (also called Henry Charles) was serving with the 14/20 Hussars. The family was eventually to settle in Rotherham, Yorkshire and Charles had 2 brothers and 3 sisters, who have survived him and still live in or around the Rotherham area.

Charles started his Army service in June 1952, enlisting at the age of 18 in Sheffield, serving with The Royal Lincolnshire Regiment until their amalgamation with The Northamptonshire Regiment in 1960, The East Anglian Regiment and the 2nd Battalion, The Royal Anglian Regiment. Serving in Germany, the UK, Cyprus and Gibraltar, Charles worked his way up through the ranks gaining his Commission in December 1972 after 20 years in the Army. It was during this time that he met and married Meriel Martin and they went on to have 2 daughters – Meriel born in 1957, Janette in 1959 and a son, Wayne, in 1969.

Charles was an outstanding Chief Clerk. If a soldier came to him with a problem, he would try his utmost to ensure that the soldier was not left disadvantaged in any way. This was particularly so when he was at the Depot and dealing with the many soldiers returned from battalions, for whatever reason. He was particularly good with those who had been in detention at MCTC, ensuring that they were given the best opportunity to get back on with their soldiering. He was also outstanding with his development of younger clerks, especially those isolated at company level and he was always available to assist and develop them.

Having gained his Commission he went on to serve for a further 6 years in Germany, Northern Ireland and the UK, until his retirement in 1978. In May 1977, he married Catherine (Kay) Fincken and they lived in Wroughton and Bradenstoke, near Swindon. Charles might have retired from the Army but he was still involved with the Services as a civil servant, serving with the Army Air Corp at Middle Wallop and involving himself with the local community.

Charles and Kay finally retired in 2001, moving to Cornwall where they were very happy with Charles once again becoming very involved in the local community.

In November 2012, after becoming ill, Charles was admitted to hospital where he sadly passed away on Wednesday 21st November 2012, at the age of 78, with his daughter Janette at his side.

Charles was a proud, hard working man who got on with most people he came in to contact with. He would do anything for anyone if he could and is sorely missed by all. He is survived by his wife Kay, his daughters Meriel and Janette, son Wayne and their respective families.

ML, JB and MB