Tribute to D-Day veteran Charles 'Charlie' Mellish

Charles 'Charlie' John Mellish from Chirk sadly passed away on Thursday, June 13.

He had celebrated turning 100-years-old in January of this year.

Born in London, Charlie moved to Oswestry for military training where he first met his wife, Elsie. 

Charlie Mellish on is 100th birthday (Image: UGC)

Charlie was a member of the North Staffs Regiment who landed in Normandy on D-Day in 1944. He served in the army between 1941 and 1945.

In 2019, Charlie received the French Legion D'honneur medal for his participation in the D-Day landings, the highest French order of merit. 

Speaking to the Leader previously of his experience, Charlie said: “Many of my officers and fellow soldiers were injured and lost that day, I crawled along trenches that had been created by tanks and wagons across the battlefield.

“At times I was so scared that I dare not move, and I would just lay there in the trenches.

Charlie Mellish and former Wrexham mayor, cllr Andy Williams. (Image: Broughton Hall Care Home)

“They’re memories that stay with you forever, you never forget them.”

After moving to the Wrexham area with Elsie back in 1947, Charlie spent the remainder of his working life as a fitter in the Monsanto Factory in Acrefair.

He retired in his 60s, the mid 1980s, but that certainly didn't stop Charlie's commitment to his local community.

A family photograph of Charlie, Elsie and Christine (Image: Neil Kynaston)

Charlie and Elsie created a loving family and had two children, Christine and Graham, three grandchildren Neil, Dawn and Phillip and six great-grandchildren. Sadly, Charlie's wife Elsie passed away in 2017. 

Proud grandson Neil Kynaston said Charlie dedicated much of him time to helping others.

He said: "He enjoyed gardening and won several competitions, many of them in a row but I've lost count!

"He also ran swimming clubs in Wrexham and Plas Madoc, as well as a great Youth Club for many years.

Charlie Mellish (Image: Neil Kynaston)

"He was a great and loving family man. There was nothing he couldn't make or build from a bit of metal or wood. He used to make us sledges as children, and a swing set.

"At one point, he even kept bees and used to sell honey in the community. Well, he'd just give it away most of the time.

"He was always laughing or joking. He was truly one of a kind and he will be missed by so many.

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"Our family also want to thank Broughton Hall Nursing Home (New Broughton) for their care, love and support towards Charlie."

Due to being poorly, Charlie was unable to become the guest of honour at the 2024 Llangollen D-Day celebrations. Therefore, the event organiser proposed as many members of the military ought to attend Charlie's funeral as possible as a symbol of honour and respect.

Charlie's funeral will take place on  Thursday, June 27 at 1.30pm at Pentrebychan Crematorium