Charles Samuel Irons was born in January 1898 in Luton, the only child of Samuel & Beatrice.

In 1911 Charles is living with his builder father & mother at 60a Park Street. The head of the household is Arthur Funnell, Beatrice's father, (Charles' grandfather) who is a furniture dealer.

An article in the Luton News on 20th February 1919 tells us that Charles was awarded the Military Cross, but could not give much detail. A report in The London Gazette dated 9th December that year reveals more information:

T./2nd Lt. Charles Samuel Irons, N. Lanc~R., attd. 9th Bn. E. Surr. R. For conspicuous gallantry and devotion to duty. During the advance east of Bavay on night of 8th November,1918, he, accompanied by a lance-corporal, made a very bold patrol when a company was held up by machine-gunfire. He got behind the gun and accurately located it, and returned with the report to the company commander. When the advance was continued he again got behind the gun and fired on it, whereupon the garrison fled, leaving two dead and two guns behind. Thanks to his fine courage and initiative the company then advanced to their final objective without a casualty.

Military Service

Loyal North Lancashire Regiment Second Lieutenant

East Surrey Regiment Lieutenant

Charles' mother & grandparents are buried in Crawley Green Cemetery.