Rifleman Charles William HOUGHTON (552951)
1/16th (County of London) Battalion (Queen’s Westminster Rifles)

Date of birth: 17th April 1891
Date of death: 16th December 1917

Killed in action aged 26
Buried at Roclincourt Military Cemetery Plot I Row F Grave 19
He was born at Richmond in Surrey on the 17th of April 1891 the younger son of John Pounds Houghton, articled surveyor, and Annie Marian (nee Tween) of "Blakesware", 91 Cambridge Road, Teddington in Middlesex.

He was educated at the King’s School Canterbury from September 1905 to July 1909. On leaving school he went to work as a clerk for the Royal Insurance Company.

Following the outbreak of war he joined a Volunteer Training Corps in September 1914 before applying for a commission in the 4th (Extra Reserve) Battalion South Staffordshire Regiment on the 9th of July 1915. His application was supported by Algernon Latter, Headmaster of the King's School Canterbury from 1897 to 1910 and by the Commanding Officer of his battalion.

He was commissioned as a 2nd Lieutenant on probation in the battalion on the 14th of August 1915 and was posted to the School of Instruction at Fort Pulbrook, Portsmouth on the 18th of August 1915 for training.

On the 29th of October 1915 a summary of his progress was made: - Tactics - Fair, Field Defence -Very Fair, Map Reading - Poor, and might have tried harder, Musketry and drill - Bad, but he showed and slight improvement in both. It was recommended that he should attend another class, which ran from the 6th of November to the 20th of December when another report was made: - Drill - Fair, Musketry - Fair, Map Reading - Good, Field Defence - Very Good, tactics - Good.

In spite the improvements a number of assessments were made as to his suitability as an officer.

Lieutenant Colonel E.A.E. Bulwer, Officer Commanding 4th Battalion South Staffordshire Regiment to the War Office from Jersey on the 7th of March 1916: -

"I beg to bring before you the case of 2nd Lt C.W. Houghton of the battalion under my command. He has just completed his six months probationary training, but I cannot "confirm" him in his rank, as I do not consider he is qualified. I attach reports on him from the School of Instruction, the first of which was bad, and he was recommended to attend another class, which he did; and his second report showed improvement. I also attach reports on him from senior officers, which have charge of classes of instruction for young officers in the battalion. I have nothing against 2nd Lt. C.W. Houghton's character whatever, and I believe he tries to do his work; but he is quite unfitted for the profession, and could never be placed in any responsible position in charge of men. He lacks all the qualities essential in a leader, and remains as a standstill in his work. Will you please inform me what steps I am to take about him."

He attached the following: -

Major J.M. Savage-Armstrong, 1st Battalion South Staffordshire Regiment from Jersey on the 1st of March 1916: -

"I have to report regarding 2nd Lt C.W. Houghton in accordance with your request, that from what I have seen of him on the square he seems to lack the power of command essential to an officer; he is however a hard trier."

Captain G.R. Seckham, Officer Commanding Young Officers, 4th Battalion South Staffordshire Regiment, from Jersey on the 2nd of March 1916: -

"In reference to 2nd Lt C.W. Houghton, I have to report that this officer appears to be physically incapable of taking command of any sort through lack of personality and is not likely to improve in this respect."

Captain C.W. Evans, 1st Battalion South Staffordshire Regiment from Jersey on the 3rd of March 1916: -

"I beg to state that I have seen 2nd Lieut. C.W. Houghton carrying out his duties on various classes of instruction. In my opinion he is not fit to command men, as he does not appear to have any self assurance whatever. He seems to work hard and tries to do his best, but his qualities are only negative, and I do not think he is likely to improve at all."

Major General Rochford, Commanding Officer Jersey District to the War Office on the 8th of March 1916: -

"I have seen 2nd Lieut. Houghton who seems perfectly harmless but is wanting in personality and I am convinced could never exercise command."

A letter dated the 21st of March 1916 from Major General F.S. Robb issued the following instructions to Lieutenant Colonel Bulwer: -

"Sir,
With reference to you Mo. 281 of the 8th instant, I am directed to inform you that in view of the unsatisfactory report on Second Lieutenant C.W. Houghton, 4th Battalion South Staffordshire Regiment, his further retention in the service cannot be permitted. He will, therefore, relinquish his commission in the Special Reserve of Officers, and I am to request that he be so informed. The necessary notification will appear in an early Gazette.

Charles Houghton resigned his commission on the 29th of March 1916.

Within a fortnight he enlisted at Westminster as Rifleman 552951 in the 1/16th (County of London) Battalion (Queen’s Westminster Rifles) and, after training at Winchester, he left for the front in July 1916 with a draft of reinforcements.

On the 14th of December 1917 the 1/16th (County of London) Battalion (Queen’s Westminster Rifles) relieved the 2nd (County of London) Battalion in trenches at Gavrelle with the relief being completed at 4.30pm. The general situation during this tour of the front line was described as "quiet" but on the 16th of December three German 15cm shells fell into the trenches, one of which landed on "Water Post" killing Charles Houghton and another soldier.

His Captain and Company Commander wrote:-

"He was well thought of by everyone who came in contact with him. He was the first to volunteer for anything, and was always willing to help others if he possibly could. He was a "sticker" through and through."

He is commemorated on the war memorial at Richmond.
 

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