L/Cpl Houghton was in 1st Battalion of the Essex Regiment.
He was killed on 28th April 1915. He was aged 34.

The 1st Essex arrived at Mudros, Gallipoli, on 16th April 1915. The Turks suspected that it would be chosen for a landing place and had spent much time and ingenuity upon the system of defence. Broad wire entanglements were placed at the water’s edge, a supplementary line was hidden in the shallows and land mines had been laid. The crest of the cliffs was also wired and entrenched and at least two, if not more, machine guns were sited on the slopes. On the higher ground in the rear was the main system of defence.

Three Essex companies were on land by about 10 o’clock, and then, as the senior officer on the spot, Lieutenant-Colonel Godfrey Faussett ordered an advance towards Hill 138 and the position to the left of it. Two Essex companies participated. "X" Company got into the Turkish front line trenches, but were there stayed by the fire from the enemy, who were still clinging to Hill114 and had not yet been cleared out by the Royal Fusiliers.

After renewed naval bombardment the 1st Essex and 4th Worcesters - the latter had just landed - were ordered, at 2.15pm to take Hill 138 and the vicinity. Thus it came about that the Essex went forward and took the redoubt on Hill 138. Although the men were much fatigued from prolonged exertion and lack of sleep, it was deemed imperative to secure the village of Krithia and height beyond.

Charles was the son of Joseph and Mary Jane Houghton, of 119 Studley Road, Forest Gate, London; husband of Emily R. M. Houghton, of 180 Brightwell Avenue, Westcliff-on-Sea, Essex.

Panel 144 to 150 or 229 to 233, Helles Memorial