Dunn, Charlie

Charlie Dunn was a pacey back row forward who joined Gloucester from local club Coney Hill RFC in his mid-twenties after WWII. He was a regular first choice for the five seasons 1945-50. His four appearances for Gloucestershire included a winning semi-final against Middlesex at Kingsholm in 1948-49.

Charles J Dunn was born in Gloucester on 15 January 1920. He was a renowned character who was often seen leaving his work at the last minute to rush to Kingsholm to play on Saturday or Thursday evenings, his kit in a brown paper bag. He was well known in the area having held various occupations which included serving on boats on the river Severn, giving a helping hand at Gloucester Cattle Market and working for the local Council. Sociable and a natural comedian he was very popular with his fellow players. He was generally known as ‘Jigger’ Dunn.

Charlie made his début for Gloucester on 29 September 1945, in the first game played after the war, against old rivals Bristol.  He had pace and his first try was not long coming against Stroud on 27 October; he followed that up with a brace against Moseley in December.  He was a versatile player who was prepared to turn his hand to anything on the rugby field. He could play at fly-half, on the wing or even at prop in lesser fixtures, but he was first and foremost a flanker. He was also a crafty player, who tested the laws to their limit, and some felt that he might have struggled under the scrutiny of the modern game.

In 1948-49 he played in 40 of Gloucester’s 43 games. In addition, he made his début for Gloucestershire in December in a crucial match against Somerset, which the county won 12-0 to reach the semi-finals of the Championship. He scored a try, outpacing the backs to touch down and prompted the Citizen reporter to write “One man who came into the team for the first time is not likely to be left out again. That man is Charlie Dunn who more than justified his place.” He was retained for the semi-final at Kingsholm in which Gloucestershire beat Middlesex, only to be dropped for the final.

The following season, which was to be his last in Gloucester colours, he was recalled for Gloucestershire to play against Somerset and Devon in the latter stages of the South West group.

Charlie Dunn left Kingsholm in 1951, having made 157 appearances and scored 31 tries in his five years at the club and returned to play at Coney Hill.

He kept his ties with the Gloucester club throughout the remainder of his long life. He died in December 2014.

Many members of his family have posted their thoughts in the Comments section, below. In addition they have written:

“To one of the greatest legend’s ever lived my dear Great Gramp Charlie… your missed and loved so much by us all…. And I’m sure you would of been more than proud of your service Friday. We will hold and treasure your memories may you Rest In Peace…
Danielle Dunn/Jones, Kevin Keenan, Kayah”

 

Comments about this page

  • It was a sad time when I had to see you go, you was always my hero and a true legend for everyone in the family

    R.I.P 

    Grandad  

    By callum (23/04/2015)
  • thank you for the memories Grandad x

    By Naebh Caughey (Dunn) (14/01/2015)
  • RIP Gramps. Always in our hearts. Keep dancing to fern kinney with granny and mum. Till we see each other again. Love you grampy xxxx

    By lesley mark reeve and steven (05/01/2015)
  • Gramps……you were a true legend and one that will be sadly missed….love always Jason (grandson) xx

    By Jason Gribbon (30/12/2014)
  • My Great Grandad (my hero) a true legend! 

    I’m so proud that I was in your life… 

    This isn’t a goodbye this is “farewell until we meet again” 

    my Great grandad forever in my heart… 

    Love you millions 

    Rhiannon, Preston, Cruze 

    xxx

     

    By Rhiannon Dunn (23/12/2014)
  • My Grandad, My hero.

    Lots of love

    Jayne Mulcuck granddaughter xxxx

    By Jayne Mulcuck (22/12/2014)
  • rip Charlie we loved you loads.

    love Joyce and family x

     

    By Joyce Brown (20/12/2014)
  • Legend on the field, Legend in the bar and Legend off the field, God bless you Gramp.

     

    By Robert Smith (Grandson) (20/12/2014)
  • RIP GRAMPY CHARLIE

    Passed away 19/12/2014

    Love Andy your Grandson x

    By Andrew Dunn (19/12/2014)
  • Love you gramp r.i.p

    By Rhiannon Dunn (19/12/2014)
  • My father, a TRUE Legend. Never recognised for his talent and when he did recieve his county cap it was in a brown paper bag years after he earned it, handed to him at his front door. This man should be in Gloucester Rugby club’s hall of fame on his appearance record alone. ‘159’ Do you get a county cap every time you play for the county, if so, he should have many more to come as only one was received!

    By PETER DUNN (25/01/2011)
  • Charlie lived next door to me & my family in Eastern Avenue years ago. Always be a legend to me. Didn’t see him play (I was too young).

    P.S. I’m now living in Somerset.

    By kevin FOLLEY (05/06/2010)
  • good on ya grampy

    By shelley (04/02/2010)

Add a comment about this page

Your email address will not be published.