Virtual
War Memorial
Australia

Son of Edward Hall Powley and Arabella Jane Powley nee Edwards of 'Hill View', Boweya, Victoria. Brother of Arabella Harriet, Ethel Maria Powley, Benjamin Powley, Edith Powley, John Hall Powley who returned to Australia on 31 October 1915  having served with the 7th Battalion, Leonard Wilfred Powley, Robert Joseph Powley and Winifred Ida Powley

Medals: 1914-5 Star, British War Medal, Victory Medal

Also served in the cadets

347 Private Charles Powley, of Boweya Victoria, between Wangaratta and Yarrawonga, and his brother 348 Private John Hall Powley enlisted together very early on the war.  They were both members of B Company when it landed on the beach near Fishermans Hut. They were 20 and 21 years of age respectively.

'Private Charles Powley, son of Mr. and Mrs. E. H. Powley, of Boweya, who volunteered with the first Australian Expeditionary Force, was killed in action when the Australians first landed on the Gallipoli Peninsula on April 25th, and the sad news of his death was first received in a letter from his brother, Private J. H. Powley, who also went with the same force and is now in the hospital (says the Despatch). The letter containing the information was written in the hospital on May 3rd and the writer presumed that the relatives had been officially informed by the Defence Department of the sad death of the young soldier. By neglect or error, however, no intimation was sent, and the family was waited in hopeful anticipation for a letter to say how the boys were getting on. That tetter, which came to hand on Tuesday, contained news that staggered the family and relatives. They were then acquainted with the fact that their son and brother had been shot dead as the first Australian force landed at Gallipoli Peninsula, 42 days previously. It was a cruel shock, and the sympathy of the community will go out to the parents and family of the young soldier.

Private J. H. Powley's letter was as follows:— 'I do sincerely trust that these lines will find you all in good health. I am in hospital with a sprained ankle but otherwise I am in splendid health. By the time this letter reaches you I am sure you will know of the death of our dear brother Charles. He was shot close to me on the beach when we were landing. No words can tell how broken hearted I am, and, my darling ones, do try and bear this awful blow for the sake of me, his lonely brother, for his home now is a bright and lovely one with God in Heaven. It is a hard task to tell of his death but he had no pain at all. He was shot through the head. I knelt down beside him and said 'good-bye' but he did not answer.

It is all I can do to write this, but I am sure you will for my sake cheer up and trust that God will keep us all from harm and that we will meet him again in Heaven.' After referring to some of his comrades who were wounded he concludes ' The lads that are left do all they can to cheer me up. Now, my darling ones, I must close as I am too broken-hearted to write any more. I still keep trusting that I will be spared to come back to you all, safe and sound before long — Your true and loving son, Jack.'

Immediately upon the receipt of the letter a telegram was sent to the Defence Department asking for information in regard to Private C. Powley and on Friday morning Rev. F. Chisholm received a telegram asking him to acquaint Mr. and Mrs. Powley of their son's death. Mr. W. H. Edwards (uncle of the deceased) also wrote to the Minister of Defence, and   Mr. P. J. Moloney, M. H.R., asking for information, but no reply has yet been received. Private Charles Powley, who was 21 years of age, was the first man in Wangaratta to volunteer. He was educated at the Wangaratta Agricultural High School, and for some time prior to enlisting was employed by Mr. T. Mason as a blacksmith. He was a fine athletic young man, who took an active interest in healthy recreation, and was a playing member of the Wangaratta Football Club last season. He was highly esteemed for his manly disposition, and was very popular amongst his acquaintances. Even though he died for his country his un timely end is deeply regretted. He was one of those who accomplished the almost impossible task of landing at the Gallipoli Peninsula in circumstances that have drawn unstinted praise and expressions of amazement from all parts of the world He was numbered amongst the fallen, and his remains rest in a soldier's grave on the Gallipoli Peninsula.'

Benalla Standard Tuesday 15 June 1915, page 3