Virtual
War Memorial
Australia

Early Life

Charles Vincent Rice North was born in Rockhampton, Queensland in 1897, the son of James Frank North and Bridget Rice (Qld Birth Registration C10147). Charles was one of four children; his siblings were Clair Frank Rice North (born 1985), Cecil Joseph Rice North (born 1899) and Clara.

James F North moved the family from Queensland to South Australia and became licensee of the Metropolitan Hotel, Grote Street in June 1899 and was later the licensee of the Crown and Sceptre Hotel in King William Street.

Schooling

Charles attended Christian Brothers College, Adelaide and passed his Junior Examinations in December 1911 and has Senior Examinations in December 1913.
Charles played football and cricket for CBC in both 1911-1913 and competed in the CBS Sports.

Adelaide University

Charles commenced studying law at Adelaide University in 1914 and passed examinations in 1914 and 1915. In January 1916 Charles enlisted and served in WWI, he recommenced University studies in 1918 having been discharged as medically unfit after overseas service. Charles gained his LLB in 1918.

University Sport

Football
Charles played football for Adelaide University A Grade football team in 1915.

Cricket
Charles played cricket for Adelaide University in the 1915/16 season.

World War I

Charles enlisted as a Private in the 11th Field Ambulance on the 24th of January 1916 (SN 12652). He was an articled clerk, 18 years and 3 months old, 5’9¾“, 148 lbs, with a fresh complexion, blue eyes and brown hair. His mother, Bridget was named as his next of kin on one of his attestation papers and his father James Frank on another copy of the papers; both were of Watson Street, Rose Park. Charles had been a Cadet in the 78th Area for four years and in the Citizens Forces for 6 months. He was entrained on the 28th of June 1916 and embarked onboard the HMAT Berrima from Melbourne.

Charles was taken on strength on the 28th of August 1916 and preceded to France via Southampton on the 26th of November 1916. On the 19th of April 1917 Charles was admitted to the Grove Military Hospital suffering from Adenitis neck. An operation was performed on Charles’ neck and after the wounds healed Charles was considered medically unfit for service. He returned to Australia on the 25th of August 1917 and was discharged on 30th November 1917.

Charles’ diary, documenting the sea voyage from Melbourne on the transport ship SS Berrima, dated the 4th of July 27 August 1916 and his discharge certificate, dated 30th of November 1917 are held at the Australian War Memorial.

Both Charles’ brothers served in WWI. Elder brother Clair Frank Rice North (SN 35214) was a Gunner in the Field Artillery. Younger brother, Cecil Joseph Rice North (SN 7530) enlisted in the 26th reinforcement of the 10th Battalion and was tragically killed in action on the 4th of June 1918 (aged 19) and is buried in the Borre British Cemetery, France.

Career & Family Life

Charles was admitted to the bar in April 1919, he was referred to as C.V. Rice North for all legal related matters.

Charles was actively involved in the CBC Old Collegians Association and was a Vice president from 1919.

From September 1919 to 1924, Charles practiced at Yorketown on Southern Yorke Peninsula. In December 1919 he purchased a 22.5 Ford. While at Yorketown Charles played cricket for the local team. He was a member of the Yorketown Branch of the Liberal Union, President of the S.Y.P. Jockey Club (1920) and involved in the RSL. Charles was involved in fundraising to ensure the deficit relating to the Yorketown Soldiers’ Memorial Oval was cleared. Charles was also appointed to the Yorketown Repatriation Committee.

On the 12th of May 1920, Charles married Margaret Mary (Rita) Breheny (SA Marriage Registration 283/698).

On the 31st of March 1921, Charles and Rita’s son Charles Leo (Charles Leo Rice) North was born followed by their daughter Rita Bridget Rice (Biddy) North on the 16th of August 1923.

From January 1922 until June 1923 Charles was in partnership with William Raymond Kelly at Yorketown.

Charles and his family returned to Adelaide and Charles practised at Kither’s Building, King William Street.

In April 1926 the right to nominate a scholar to be entitled to the Old Collegians' Scholarship was secured by Mr. C. V. R. North.

Charles’ father died in 1926 aged 66 years.

Charles maintained a connection with Yorketown and sometimes visited to attend the Yorketown Races. In March 1927 he acted as a Judge at the S.Y.P Racing Club meeting.

Death

Tragically Charles died on the 20th of May 1928 aged 30 years; he was buried at the West Terrace Cemetery Catholic Section. He left his widow and two children. His estate was valued at £1,304.

Legacy

Charles and Rita’s son Charles Leo Rice North attended CBC and completed his Leaving Examinations in 1937. He then commenced studying for the priesthood. Charles passed away in Fitzroy, Victoria in 1960, aged 39.

Charles and Rita’s daughter Biddy attended Loreto College and Adelaide University. Biddy gained her LLB in 1945. She was actively involved in Aquinas College fundraising events.

Biddy and her mother went on pilgrimage in 1948 (they were living at 11 Barton Terrace, North Adelaide).

Biddy became engaged to Brian Moroney in December 1951.

In February 1953 Mrs M.M. North and her daughter Biddy moved from Glenelg to Mills Terrace, North Adelaide.

Author EE (Beth) Filmer

For the complete profile including photographs, newspaper articles, documents and sources prepared for the AUFC/AUCC WWI Memorial Project (in the period 2015-2019) please see the document attached.