Charles Parker Aske was born in March 1884, and baptised at St Thomas’s Church, Claremount, on the 9th April, the youngest son of William Aske, jeweller (1843-96), of Hampden Place, Halifax, by his wife nee Lily Parker (1848-99). Known as Charlie, he was educated locally, and after his parents’ deaths, he lived with his eldest brother William at Beechwood Road, Illingworth, training as a draper’s apprentice. In due course he became a commercial traveller.  

In November 1907, Charles married Irene Bertha Holstead at Halifax Register Office; she was known as Rene. Initially they lived at Sandbeds, Pellon, where their eldest child, Brian Hope, was born in 1910. After they moved to Brookville Avenue, Hipperholme, two daughters were born, Dorothy Margaret in 1913 and Marjorie in 1916.

In December 1915 he enlisted into the Royal Garrison Artillery as a Gunner (Signaller). We know from his enlistment papers that he was just over 5ft 7in tall. He served in France for over two years as a signaller/telephonist. In March 1918 he was admitted to hospital, but returned to duties. In August he was allowed home on leave.  

Early in 1919 Charles’ health further deteriorated, and he spent some time in Shelf Sanatorium. He died of broncho-pneumonia on the 5th March, at 36 Emscote Street, the home of his brother-in-law Stanley Rimmel, who had served in the Army Ordinance Corps. Charles was buried a few days later in the family grave at Lister Lane Cemetery. The death was registered as “directly due to military service,” indicating that Charles had contracted serious health problems while in France. Rimmel immediately contacted the authorities on behalf of the widowed Rene. A correspondence ensued with the Regimental Depot, and a pension was granted to Rene, from the September following. In 1922 she also received her husband’s War and Victory medals. Rene survived her husband for 46 years, dying in Somerset in 1965, aged 76. Charles and Rene’s only son, Brian, died in 2003, aged 93.