January 10, 1945
The death has occurred at Weston-Super-Mare of Mr. Charles Christopher Charsley, a former Chief Constable of Coventry, at the age of 79. He was born at Leicester, and joined Birmingham City police force at the age of 21, becoming Chief Inspector in 1889. When only 34 he was appointed Chief Constable of Coventry and retired in 1918.
Mr. Charsley will be remembered in the Midlands as a brilliant Association football goalkeeper. He played for Small Heath Alliance, forerunner of Birmingham City F.C., and was capped for England in the game against Ireland at Perry Barr, in 1893.
After retiring from the game he was recalled to play in the famous “test” match against Darwen, at Stoke, which took Birmingham into the First Division.
Weston’s Deputy Mayor.
Since his retirement he had lived at Weston, where he played a prominent part in public life. He was a member of the Borough Council since 1935 and was Deputy Mayor in 1939-40. He was A.R.P. Sub Controller and chairman of several committees.
He was also well known as a writer of short stories, plays, and pantomimes. Several pantomimes written and produced by him were presented in Weston, and in one of them he also composed 23 musical numbers.
Mr. Charsley died only seven days after his wife and is survived by a son and daughter.
(Coventry Evening Telegraph: January 11, 1945)
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Charles Christopher Charsley was my great grandfather. I’ve just discovered this article on your website. Thank you for keeping this information alive.