Charley Tidy was born in Roffey, near Horsham on March 2nd 1885. He was the youngest son of James and Elizabeth, brother to Lily, May and Fred. The photo would seem to show that he was a choirboy.
The 1901 census records him as being an apprentice butcher at the age of 16. As he was living at home with his parent at Albert House in Denne Road, it can be assumed that he was working for a Horsham butcher.
Post cards to his cousin John Goodridge reveal that he was in Kildare in October 1903 and was going to India with the Royal Field Artillery in November 1907.
He served with the RFA during WW1 rising from sergeant to the rank of Major. The medal roll card that records his service shows that he was in action in August 1914 with 32nd Brigade. His 'Theatre of War qualifying date' was August 23rd 1914 so was awarded the 1914 Star with clasp and roses, the British War Medal and the Victory Medal.
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| Charles and Minnie in the centre of group |
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| Charles with Betty Goodridge at 34, Depot Road |
Charles married Minnie, but records have not been found to confirm when this was. The 1939 Register records that a Charles and Minnie Tidy were living at 83, Victoria Road, Stoke-on-Trent, this may well be John's cousin and his wife as it shows that the husband was a retired Captain of the Royal Field Artillery.
Post Cards from Charley Tidy.
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