Military History

Charles was wounded on 17th October 1917 and taken to the 17th Casualty Clearing Station at Remy Siding, Lijssenthoek and he died of those wound two days later on 19th October 1917. The 3rd Battalion war diary entries for the period 16th to 19th October are transcribed below.

In Line - N of Zonnebeke - 16.10.1917:
General - Still holding the line. Enemy artillery very active during the day on front line, also enemy aeroplanes very active flying low & firing on troops with machine guns. Orders received that 8th Div would be relieved in the line by 3rd North Wellingto Regt and issued to be all conamed under Appendix No. 36.

Casualties - Killed: 4 OR’s Wounded: 7 OR’s & Sick: 9 OR’s

Meteorological - Weather unformed. Little rain.

In Line - N of Zonnebeke - 17.10.1917:
General - Battalion still in the line. Details of relief arranged and given to Co. Comdrs. Enemy shelling intermittent on sector. Enemy planes very active, & firing on troops with machine guns.

Battalion was relieved in the line, the relief was completed by 10pm. On relief the Coys moved to the area vacated by the relieving unit on Western slopes of Abraham Heights, and became then in support. Bn HQ was established at Kansas House.

Casualties - Killed 8 OR’s; Wounded: 14 OR’s;  Sick 10 OR’s; Arrivals 1 OR

Meteorological - Weather fine and warm.

In Line - N of Zonnebeke - 18.10.1917:
General - The Battalion still in support. Enemy artillery very active on this area, particularly on artillery positions. Orders for the Battalion to be relieved in this area by 2nd Bn Auckland Regiment received.

Casualties - Killed 2 OR’s; Wounded: 1 OR. Arrivals 4 OR's

Meteorological - Weather fine with little rain during the day.

In Line - N of Zonnebeke - 19.10.1917:
General - The Battalion still in support. Details of relief arranged and orders issued to all concerned vize Appendix No 36. The Battalion was relieved & the relief completed by 5.30pm. Coys on relief move to the old British and German front line. Bn HQ established at dug out approx 200 yards due W of Wieljte Dug Outs.

Enemy shelling decreased in this area. Enemy planes active over area at night dropping bombs.

The cookers were brought up with a hot meal to old B & G front line on arrival of Bn there.

Casualties - Wounded: 1 OR. Arrivals 1 OR's

Meteorological - Weather fair but improved during the day.