Military History

Charles is listed as being killed in action on 14th October 1918. The 34th Battalion war diary entries for the 12th to the 14th October 1918 are transcribed below.

Near Zanvoorde – 12/13 October 1918: On the night of 12/13 Oct and 13/14 Oct the Division front was taken over by 102^nd Brigade on the right and 103^rd Brigade on the right.

A Coy 34 Bn MGC was attached to 102^nd Bde
                B Coy 34 Bn MGC was attached to 103^nd Bde

Near Zanvoorde – 13/14 October 1918: C & D Coys 34 Bn MGC remained in their present positions in the America Line with rampart close at hand ready to move forward if the situation developed and take up positions in the yellow line for defence. Advanced Bn HQ at 28.P.4.b.8.8

Near Zanvoorde – 14 October 1918: The 34^th Division commenced the advance in conjunction with the 30^th & 41^st Divisions right and left respectively. The advance was carried out by 102^nd Inf Bde plus A Coy 34^th Bn M.G.G on the right and 103 Inf Bde plus B Coy 34^th Bn M.G.C on the left. 101^st Bde being Divisional reserve.

Zero hours was 0525. The position to be captured included the village of Gheluwe which was attacked by an encircling movement from North and South. The attack was successful, all objectives being gained. Line reached was from Coucou Q.18.c - Q.18.a – P.12.d – R.7.a – R.2.d – R.3.c.

D & C Coys 34^th Bn M.G.C moved forward and took up positions in the yellow line, covering the whole Division front.