Virtual
War Memorial
Australia

Charles Gallop Regimental Number 4198 was born 1881, the son of Abel Gallop and Sophia Doak.  Abel born 1850, was originally from Corfe Mullen, Dorset, England.  His father Charles, a blacksmith and wheelwright emigrated with the family to Australia via New Zealand in around 1854, living in Emerald Hill (South Melbourne).  Abel followed in his fathers’ footsteps and became a wheel wright, working with him as a coachbuilder.  Abel married Sophia in 1873.  Whilst living in South Yarra 3 children were born, only 1 survived (Prudence).  The family then moved to Yarrawonga where 4 more children were born including Charles the youngest.  The family returned to live in Melbourne in 1884.  In 1890 Sophia died leaving Abel with 4 children, the eldest of which was 13 years. Abel married Emma Harsley of Clunes in 1892.  The family lived in Finlayson Street, Malvern.  Charles became a labourer and probably came to the Allambee area around 1898.  He is known to have been living in Geachville (Hallston) in 1901, reported in the Narracan Shire Advocate 6th July 1901 as being a member of the Allambee Football Team, playing against Mt Eccles.  It is quite possible that he was in the employ of Isaac Griggs, as he is a witness to his will dated 17th July 1902 and states his occupation as “Bushman”. 

Charles enlisted in Melbourne on the 2nd September 1915, 5th Battalion, 13th Reinforcements aged 34.  Following enlistment he spent a few days at Royal Park, before moving to Castlemaine on 9th September, returning to Williamstown 25th November before embarking from Melbourne, Victoria, on board HMAT A64 Demosthenes on 29 December 1915. Charles was posted to the 1st Pioneer Battalion arriving in Marseilles from Egypt in April 1916.  The unit was involved in digging communication trenches at Sailly whilst billeted at Montonvillers, before moving billets to Albert and working on the trenches at Pozieres. 

Charles was reported missing on 22nd July 1916 and further investigations revealed that he was killed outright by a shell at Pozieres on 21st July whilst digging a communication trench.  He was buried in a shell hole near the spot where he was killed, and a small cross was placed on his grave. Charles has no known grave and is remembered at the Australian National Memorial, Villers-Bretonneux, France.

Courtesy of Avenel Jane

GALLOP.—Killed in action, in France, on the 25th July, 1916 (previously reported missing), Private Charles Gallop (late of Leongatha), dearly loved youngest son of Abel Gallop, of  22 Finlayson street, Malvern, and loving brother of Prudence (Mrs. M. Barton), Jennie, and James.
 

GALLOP.—In loving memory of our dear son and brother, Private Chas. Gallop, who laid down his life at Pozieres, in France, 21st July, 1916.
Not now, but in the coming years,
It may be in the better land,
We'll read the meaning of those tears,
And there, some time, we'll understand.
—(Inserted by his loving father, sisters, and brother.)

GALLOP.—In fond and loving memory of our dear Charlie (Private Charles Gallop, 4198, 1st Pioneer Battalion), killed at Pozieres, 21st July, 1916.
Faithful and true.
"For I know whom l have believed, and am
persuaded that He is able to keep that
which I have committed unto Him against
that day."