Military History

Charles is listed as being killed in action on 21 Mar 1918, the first day of the German Spring Offensive. His remains were never recovered and he is remembered on the Pozieres Memorial. The 5th Battalion war diary entry for the period 20th to 22nd March 1918 is transcribed below.

20-3-1918 near Le Fay Farm: Wet day. Battn provided working parties at Le Fay Farm. Front exceptionally quiet “Precautionary Action” received at 4.30pm

21-3-1918 near Le Fay Farm: Misty morning. ACTION – 6.5am. Battn moved up to Battle Zone under command of Major Labouchere. A and D Companies lose very heavily from shell fire. Enemy reach Battle Zone about 11.30am. Front posts lost, having been obliterated with occupants by shell fire. Second line held in front of Brigade Headquarters along Benay-Essingny road. Some hand to hand fighting , 8 prisoners taken.

Enemy massing in Lambay Wood and Essigny all afternoon. Line abandoned at night, all British troops retire behind canal at Flavy

Casualties: Officers: 2 klilled; 3 wounded and 3 missing and about 180 other ranks casualties.

22-3-1918 at Petit Detroit: Battalion arrives at Petit Detroit about 5.30am. Awaiting orders to move forward. Canal bank held. All details there under Lt. Money and 2/Lts Cresswell and Cooke. Col Sebastian joins battalion about 10pm.