Capt Birch C G

Capt Charles Francis Grey Birch 1st batt South Lancs regiment was killed in action at Spion Kop Jan 24th 1900 - while endevouring to rescue a wounded man - a memorial cross has been erected over his grave near Spion Kop

He was the son of Col and Edith Birch of Lympstone Grange South Devon - late Colonel commanding the 4th batt of North Lancashire regiment - was born 18/11/1866 at Lympston Grange S.Devon England
Educated at Rugby - He entered South Lancs from 4th batt Loyal North Lancs regiment in Dec 1888 and was promoted to Lt in May 1890 and Capt in April 1898

1901 census, Charles's mother, still living at Lympstone Grange (Ref RG13/2030 Folio 23 Page 1) with an assortment of servants - Edith E M Birch - Head - Wid - 58 - Living on own means - Bombay, India
In 1891, Lympstone Grange only has servants in it - lots of them
1891 census - Charles, a scholar at the Boarding House to Rugby School, Rugby, Warwickshire See RG11/3077 Folio 131 Page 29

Memorial in the Protestant Cemetery, Rome, Italy - "In beloved memory of Charles Grant Francis Grey Birch Capt South Lancashire Regiment only son of Colonel Birch of Lympston Grange, S. Devon. Born Nov. 18th 1866. He was killed at the Battle of Spion Kop January 24th 1900 while endeavouring to save a wounded man. His body rests in a military cemetary near Spion Kop. This memorial is placed by his heart broken aunt Francis Birch."