Charles Lever, born 9 April 1919, came from Salford, Lancashire and was a plumber. He enlisted in October 1939 as was initially a Private in the Royal Army Medical Corp. He was promoted to Corporal in this Battalion in January 1940.
He was attached to an infantry battalion joining the British Expeditionary Force in France 4 February 1940 and returned one month later. In January 1940 Charles was married to Edith Hamilton.
He then was deployed as a Corporal in the RAMC in the North Africa Campaign between 28 December 1942 and 9 December 1943. Charles was awarded the Africa Star, with 1st Army Clasp.
On returning to the UK at the end of 1943 he was deployed by the RAMC in various facilities needing medical attention. He advanced to Nursing orderly in these medical facilities.
In September 1944, Charles joined the 224 Para Field Ambulance (PFA). Charles successfully passed parachute jump training at RAF Ringway on course 132. This course ran between 2 and 9 September 1944. His instructor noted that Charles was a ”Good worker, Good performer.”
He is seen on a photograph of the 224 PFA taken in December 1944.
28 December 1944 he was deployed in Northwest Europe remaining with the 224. So possibly took part in actions in The Ardennes. Charles returned to the UK 21 February 1945, but was soon redeployed back to Europe on 24 March 1945. Potentially being involved on Op. Varsity, the Rhine Crossing. In May 1945 he returned home then was redeployed in the July to India. He served at British Military Hospital POONA serving as a nursing orderly.
He was finally discharged from the Army in June 1946 staying on the Royal Army Reserve.
Service records and information kindly donated by Elaine Roper, daughter of Charles Lever.