Virtual
War Memorial
Australia

Charles Gales was born in Gateshead-on-Tyne, England, on 31 August 1890, the son of Albert Edwin Gales and Harriett Williamson. Upon arriving in Australia on 4 April 1911, he settled in South Australia. Gales joined the AIF on 19 July 1915 during the First World War. He claimed to have served two years with the Royal Garrison Artillery and three years with the Army Service Corps Territorials before being discharged when his time expired. He listed his mother as the next of kin, residing at 29 Granville Street, Gateshead-on-Tyne, England.

After serving as a wheeler Sgt with the 16th Battery, 6th FAB, he disembarked at Suez, Egypt on 21 December 1915. According to his record, he was supposed to join the MEF. However, the evacuation from Gallipoli occurred from 8 to 20 December, so it's more likely that he was sent to Mena Camp instead.

After training, he sailed for France and disembarked at Marseilles on 23 June 1916. His unit moved to a position at Bois Grenier, a commune in Northern France just south of Armentières. In July, he saw service on the Somme, then was at Pozières in September before moving to the quiet sector at Ypres, Belgium, for a period of rest. In October, they provided fire support for the attacks on Flers. Gales worked day and night, maintaining the guns to keep them in action. On 31 July 1917, he was appointed a temporary WO1. After over a year on the front, he was granted a well-deserved leave to the UK on 30 September. He rejoined the battery on 10 October, and his rank as WO1 was made permanent on 27 December. On 7 January 1918, he was posted to brigade HQ, and on 12 February, he transferred to the Australian Army Ordnance Corps, although he remained attached to the 6th FAB.

Gales was recommended for an MSM in September, but this was not granted. However, this recommendation likely led to him receiving the MM and states.

This warrant officer was Sgt artificer of 16th battery from its formation to 31st July 1917 and from then has been the brigade artificer. He has never been away from either throughout the service of the brigade. He has shown great devotion and ability in carrying out his duties. On many occasions he has worked day and night keeping the guns in action under fire. He has fine technical ability shows great enthusiasm in his work and an utter disregard for his personal safety in carrying it out. During the operations at PASSCHENDALE, before MORLANCOURT and in the recent advance from VILLERS BRETONNEUX he has visited the batteries at all hours and frequently under heavy shell fire, in particular while the batteries were emplaced near ROSIÈRES in a heavy shelled area. He has done excellent work both at PASSCHENDALE and during the recent operations. When a number of fitters had become casualties this warrant officer has by his determination and hard work carried on the work of the brigade with very little assistance. He has been of the utmost value to the unit and his bravery, knowledge and ability were instrumental in making more effective the fighting value of the batteries. He has always had an excellent reputation for courage and devotion.

From 6 October until 21 October, he was granted leave to the UK. Five days after rejoining his battery, he was admitted with influenza to the 14th F Amb, then the 47th Casualty Clearing Station. On 1 November, he transferred on duty to London and reported to admin HQ. The following month, it was announced that he had been awarded an MM and French Médaille d’honneur avec glaives, en argent, for his distinguished service throughout the campaign.

On 18 February 1919, he sailed for France, rejoining his battery. However, the following month, he was attached to the 4th FAB. At the end of March, he returned to the UK and then returned to Australia, where he was discharged in Adelaide on 24 August.

He first appears on the Australian electoral roll in 1939, residing at 10 Grant Avenue Rose Park Adelaide, and his occupation is fitter. He again appears on the 1941 and 1943 electoral rolls, then disappears.

On 5 November 1955, he arrived in London and declared his intended residence as 17 Laburnum Gardens, Gateshead-on-Tyne, for eight months. After just over two months in London, Gales died on 17 January 1956, and the cause of his death is not stated. The English and Wales National Probate Calendar states he was from 95 Churchill Road, Prospect SA, and died at 5 Bowness Place, Beacon Lough, Gateshead-on-Tyne, having never married.

A brother, 16/794 Pte Herbert Robson Gales, was killed in action on 2 January 1916 while serving with the 16th Battalion, Northumberland Fusiliers.

This group is known to be in a private collection, and his French Médaille d’honneur avec glaives, en argent, is not named. There are only two known combinations of the MM, First World War Trio and French Médaille d’honneur avec glaives, en argent to the AIF. The other was awarded to 2588 Sgt Howard Crossland, MM.