Virtual
War Memorial
Australia

The details provided are taken from the book "Just Soldiers" written by WO1 Darryl Kelly, published 2004, refer chapter 22, pages 143 to 148. Charles was born 18th Nov 1879 in India. Educated in Britain. Arrived in Sydney and employed as a solicitor. Joined the NSW Scottish Rifle Regiment as a 2Lt in March 1909 and was promoted to Lt June 2011. He was Officer Commanding the Woomooloo Cadet Unit at this time, moulding the boys to be men and soldiers. He was posted to the 25th Infantry Battalion militia in June 1912 as a Lt and promoted to Captain June 1913 and to Major Dec 13. When war was declared he was transferred to the AIF 4th Infantry Battalion as 2nd in charge. Men of the 4th were landed at Gallipoli on the 25th April. He was wounded 26th April, hit twice but continued to lead the Battalion until he collapsed due to the loss of blood. When he regained consciousness, he was told that the CO had died of wounds in the same attack. The medical staff evacuated to Egypt and did not return to duty until the middle of July, as the CO of the Battalion, with the rank of Lt Col. Wounded again 7th Aug and evacuated, the wounds were severe and also he was sick with trench illness. He received the award of CMG in the New Year list of 1916 and Mentioned in Dispatches for activities at Gallipoli. He never returned to the battle, declared medically unfit and evacuated to Australia. He was given an appointment at Duntroon to teach future officers, but he went awol, he went to Qld and volunteered for service, being posted to 9th Battalion reinforcements under an assumed name. Transported to the Western Front, promoted to the rank of 2Lt and posted to 13th Battalion, but old illnesses took over. He was again evacuated, this time to the UK, his illnesses caused him to be discharged and evacuated to Australia. He had employment after the war in the UK 1919 to 1927, and in Canada from 1928. He died in Montreal Canada 6th Feb 1931. May he Rest in Peace -- Lest We Forget.