Virtual
War Memorial
Australia

The details provided are taken from the book "Just Soldiers" written by WO1 Darryl Kelly, published 2004, refer to chapter 8 pages 47-53.
Charles enlisted in the Boer War and was discharged wearing the Queens South Africa Medal with 5 bars.
Charles enlisted in WW1 and was assigned to 5th Battalion, arriving in Egypt Dec14. Anzac day 2015 saw the 5th Bn in the 2nd wave of infantry to land, and after enduring 10 days of heavy fighting, the Brigade was withdrawn and sent to help with the forces fighting at Cape Helles. the 5th Bn lost a third of its strength at this battle before it was withdrawn and again sent to Gallipoli. He was detached to the Pioneers due to his trade as a carpenter, and during the detachment the position was bombarded by Turkish gunners and he was buried alive in the structure he was building. He was saved and continued with his duty even though it mentally scarred him. All troops withdrew from Gallipoli in Dec15 and he was promoted Lcpl in Mar16. Unit moved to France Mar16. In action June16 when Charles took a bullet to his arm and was hospitalised. He was on leave while hospitalised and he became drunk and fought a French soldier, found guilty of this action and sentenced to 26 days #1 field punishment. Rejoined 5th Bn in Sept16, working in the Regimental Band as musician and stretcher bearer. June 18 he was sent on "Blighty" leave and during the leave he was hospitalised, being diagnosed with multiple health problems and duly repatriated to Australia. He was discharged as medically unfit.
He had a continuing history of drunkenness and problems with the law, and later admitted to an asylum for acute alcoholism. He sold the Boer War Medal which was a valuable item due to its silver content. His wife died in 1937 and he moved to the town of Dunolly and lived on a pension of 42 shillings per week and lived at the Windsor Castle hotel with his mate Robert Gray. In Oct 1938 his mate was attacked by another resident (Thomas Johnson) who bludgeoned Robert Gray to death. Charles heard the commotion and came to find out what was going on, and was also bludgeoned to death. Johnson left the room, locked the door, stayed nearby for a couple of days then absconded. Other residents noticed the absence of Charles and Robert Gray and the smell from the room, police were called and the search started. Johnson turned himself into the police at Dandenong where he was charged, later tried in court, found guilty and subsequently was hanged.
Charles was buried at Dunolly in a grave without a headstone.