Charles Hubert Howlett was born in 1890 in New Bradwell, Bucks where his father was a carpenter in the Railway Works. His parents were Alfred and Elizabeth (nee Absolon) Howlett. By 1901 Alfred had moved his family back to Thame to take over the family coach building business at 1 High Street.

Charles joined the Royal Garrison Artillery sometime before 1911 and he married Violet Hilda Hatton in Portsmouth in 1914. They lived at 120 Talbot Rd, Southsea, Hants and had one child Violet G Howlett who was born in Portsmouth in 1916.

Charles served with the 85th Siege Battery, Royal Garrison Artillery, which left for France in May 1916, equipped with 12” Road Howitzers. He was “killed in action” during the third Battle of Ypres on 8th August 1917 and is buried in Brandhoek New Military Cemetery, Ypres.

He is remembered in Thame on the War Memorial, St Mary’s and All Saints Memorial boards and on his brother Horace’s grave in the church yard. He is also remembered on Portsmouth war memorial.