"AN OLD CAMPAIGNER. DEATH OF A RUGBY PUBLICAN.
The death occurred on Friday the age of 63 of ex-Sergt-Major C. Meates. who had been for some time the licensee of the Exchange Vaults, Sheep Street, Rugby. He had long military career. In 1872 enlisted in the 17th Lancers and served in the Zulu War, 1878-80, being present at the battle and charge of Ulundi, and was later a member of the search party for the Prince Imperial. He transferred to the 9th Lancers in 1880 and served for six years in India. In 1882 he transferred to the Warwickshire Yeomanry, and was with this corps until 1906, when was awarded a long service medal and retired on a pension. At the outbreak of the late war he was secretary of the National Reserve, and only ill-health prevented him re enlisiting. His two sons were both in the army, the eldest serving four years in Gallipoli and France, and being awarded the Military Medal at St. Quentin in March, 1918, whilst the younger son served seven years, seeing service in Gallipoli. Mesopotamia, the North-Western frontier, India, and granted a commission in the Indian Army. The funeral took place on Tuesday at the Roman Catholic Church. the service being conducted Father Hurley. One or two old Yeomanry comrades were present, in addition to his two sons and five daughters, and his brother ex- Regimental Sergt-Major W. W. Meates, of the 9th Lancers."
Rugby Advertiser - Friday 23 December 1921
[You must be registered and logged in to see this image.]Unusual to have photograph!
Private 1445 Meates C 1879 clasp
According to his military record he transferred to the 9th Lancers on the 30th November 1880 number in the 9th Lancers was 2131. Promoted to Sergeant 18th July 1888
He enlisted at the age of 15 and was 4 foot 9 and a quarter inches tall with light brown hair and hazel eyes.
He embarked for SA on the 25th February 1879 (actually the 26th) More details of 17th Lancers embarkation here
https://www.1879zuluwar.com/t10765-17th-lancers?highlight=17th+lancersLanded back in England 31st Janauary 1880. He then embarked for India on the 14th Decemebr 1880 returning on the 22nd November 1885. He retired on the 28th February 1906
He married Margaret on the 2nd April 1892 at Dundalk and he had a brother William Wylie Meates who followed him from the 17th to the 9th Lancers.
In Duttons there is another 17th Lancer, Lance Corporal 1250 Meates W.W. but there is a question mark after his name (p200) I now know this was Charles's brother.
However further research indicates that this is private
1260 William Wylie Meates who was born in Mauritius, enlisted at the age of 15, in the 17th Lancers, was promoted to Lance Corporal on the 27th December 1878 and went out to SA with the 17th Lancers in February 1879 and returned to England on the 31st January 1880.
He transferred to the 9th Lancers number 2130 on the 30th November 1880 and was discharged as a Regimental Sergeant Major on the 25th August 1896. He had an interesting medical record including being treated for Gonorrhea in 1875.
Of interest to you Gary with the Gallipoli connection of his sons.
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