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COLLEY, Charles Henry (1877-1953) – Canadian Overseas Expeditionary Force

Charles Henry Colley was born in Flyford Flavell, Worcs., in 1877, the youngest of three children of Charles and Comfort Colley. In 1881 the family lived in Dormston and then in Peopleton in 1891 and 1901. "Harry" Colley, as he was known, was a gardener's labourer in 1901. He married Rose Ellen Huxley in 1907 and they went to live in Wickhamford. Two daughters, Enid Mary and Doris Clare, were baptised in Wickhamford in 1908 and 1909.

In 1910, the family emigrated to Canada and in 1911 the were living in Minnedosa, Mamitoba. On 13th December 1916, Harry Colley joined the Canadian Overseas Expeditionary Force, serving in the 230th Forestry Battalion. He was living in Winnipeg at that time, working as a car repairer. He knocked three years of off his age when enlisting. He died in Vancouver on 23rd August 1953.