War Memorial
Sergeant Charles Bourner, service number 31108, was born in Leigh in 1891, the fifth son of James and Charlotte Bourner, who made their home at Forge Square in the village. He served with the 282nd Siege Battery of the Royal Garrison Artillery, having signed up at Croydon, and by the time of his death his home was in Tonbridge.
Charles was killed in action on 7th August 1917 at the age of 26. He lies buried at Maple Leaf Cemetery in Ieper, Belgium, and his name is recorded on the Leigh War Memorial.
The 1891 census shows the family living at The Cottage beside Kennards Farm, with six sons and three daughters at home. James W Bourner, then 36, worked as a domestic gardener, while Charlotte, born in Wye, was 39. Their children included John (10), Ernest (8), Louisa (6), Sarah (5), Robert (4), James (2) and baby Mary.
Charles was not the only son the family lost. His brothers James and Frank also fell in the war, meaning three of the Bourner boys never came home.