Charles Rosoman lived most of his life at Silverlands, Silver Street, Hordle with his
father, Captain Robert Reynolds Rosoman RN DSO, mother Eileen Mary Rosoman
and sister Katharine Mary Rosoman.
He was educated at King's Mead Prep School, Seaford and Dartmouth Naval
College (May 1937 - December 1941). He was appointed Midshipman on 1 January
1942 and in April 1942 was serving in the battleship HMS Valiant. He was
promoted to Acting Sub Lieutenant on 1 September 1942 and in July 1943 was
serving in the battleship HMS Duke of York. Around 12 February 1944 he served
in the frigate HMS Stockham and on 16 February 1944 was promoted to Sub
Lieutenant. Charles was one of a number of General Service Officers who, during
the war years, came to the conclusion that the future control of the sea lanes
depended on joint air/sea cooperation. By autumn 1944 he was in Canada for flying
training. From August 1945 he served at the Fighter School, HMS Heron, RNAS
Yeovilton where he met his future wife, Wren Officer Pauline Stevens. They were
engaged in November and married at Holy Trinity Brompton on 2 February 1946.
Charles was promoted to Lieutenant on 16 February and served at HMS Gannet
RNAS Eglinton, Londonderry, joining 827 Squadron, which formed there in
August 1946 with Firefly aircraft. He had gained his pilot's qualifications by 3
ctober 1946 when he served in the aircraft carrier HMS Triumph, allocated to the
Mediterranean Fleet in February 1947. Charles was temporarily transferred to
HMS Falcon RNAS Hal Far, Malta and was killed on 22 July 1947 when his
Martinet aircraft crashed off Ricasoli. He is buried at Cappucin Cemetery, Bighi,
Malta.
Charles is succeeded by his wife (now Pauline Heard), daughter Caroline (born
December 1947) and grandchildren Nicholas and Veronica Newton (Born 1979 and
1981). His sister, Mary, married John Darley and they and sons Richard, Mark, Bill
and Charles lived at Silverlands until 1972. Both families are still based in the area.
Charles Rosoman is fondly remembered to this day as 'a character', 'a fun person',
'vigorous and enthusiastic', 'always making the best of things' and 'somebody who
loved life and lived it to the full'. Charles' parents were deeply involved with All
Saints' and donated the majority of the funds to build this hal's predecessor as a
memorial to him.
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