Military History

Charles is listed as dying of wounds on 28 Sep 1917. A newspaper report of his death said "Corporal Biddle was lying out sometime before being brought in, and he did the day after his arrival at hospital".  The 11th Bn were on a five day tour in the trenches at Bulgar Wood between the 22nd and 27th September and the war diary entry for that period is transcribed below.

22.9.17 Trenches Bulgar Wood: 37^th Div reliefs 39^th Div in Bulgar Wood sector.

12.30pm Reconnaissance by officers over ground to be held by Battalion

6.00pm: Battalion moved via Spoilbank to Bulgar Wood sector to relieve Herts regiment on right Battalion front. Disposition of Battalion: Headquarters in Ravine J.25.c.9.e; B Coy in reserve, C Coy in support, A & D front line – eastern edge of Bulgar Wood

23.9.17 Trenches Bulgar Wood: Owing to ground having only just been gained from enemy a great deal of work was necessary to determine the line, connect with all neighbouring units and place the section in state of defense. The support area shelled continuously otherwise situation was quiet.

Front line consolidated. Shells holes converted into trenches, beginning of support trenches. A good deal of salving was effected, also cleaning up of dugouts in front line. There were in bad condition owing to low wet ground and recent occupation by the enemy.

24.9.17 Trenches Bulgar Wood: Enemy observed in line of trenches & dugouts from J.26.a.7.5 to J.32.b.7.2. Shelling of our trenches continued and owing to our front and support lines being under direct view of the enemy, little work could be accomplished during day. Situation quiet.

25.9.17 Trenches Bulgar Wood: Patrols report wire in front line, but broken and almost useless. Further reconnaissance revealed this was all across the battalion front. 20 coils of wire were used to improve existing wire and form obstacle 10 feet wide, knee hight.

26.9.17 Trenches Bulgar Wood: New posts formed in front line. Line consolidated.

11am: Movement of enemy and progress of fighting in sector on our left (J.27.e) during operations observed from our F.O.P at J.25.d.7.3, and immediately reported to Brigade. Intermittent shelling on our forward and back areas throughout the day.

1 Officer and 4 NCO’s per Coy of the 8^th Glosters spent 24 hours in the trenches previous to relieving the battalion.

27.9.17 Trenches Bulgar Wood: Reports of enemy’s movements in sector of operations on our left. J.27.c Jager Trench & again sent in.

6.30pm: Battalion relieved by 8^th Glosters. Arrangements made for our guides to conduct incoming Battalion from Brickstack, up to their positions in the line. All stores, maps and intelligence handed over and receipt obtained. Relief completed by 10pm.

Total Casualties of 5 days tour in trenches:

1 Officer and 20 other ranks killed or died of wounds
1 Officer and 66 other ranks wounded.

Battalion marched to Rosignal Wood N 22 via Spoilbank, Bus House. END