Jun 20, 1892

Born in Burton, Ontario to Robert James and Catherine Annie Fowler

Dec 28, 1915

Attested into the 136^th Battalion in Bowmanville, Ontario

Ø  Number 805054

Ø  Next of kin given as Robert Fowler, father, Tyrone, Ontario

Ø  Previous occupation given as Farmer

Ø  Previous military experience given as 1 year in the 46^th Regiment, Canadian Militia

Ø  Religion given as Methodist

The battalion carried out training in the Kingston, Ontario area

Sep 25, 1916

Embarked the SS Corsican in Halifax, Nova Scotia

Oct 6, 1916

Disembarked in Liverpool, England and proceeded to West Sandling where the entire battalion was absorbed into the 39^th Reserve Battalion to continue training. 

Nov 4, 1916

While training at West Sandling, Private Fowler fell into a practice trench and sprained his left knee.  His initial treatment was given by the battalion’s Medical Officer

Nov 8, 1916

Admitted to the Moore Barracks Hospital in Shorncliffe with a swollen left knee.  On examination fluid was discovered in the knee joint and patient was given bed rest

Nov 11, 1916

Transferred to the Monks Horton Canadian Convalescent Hospital

Nov 29, 1916

Discharged to duty from hospital

Jan 4, 1917

Transferred to the newly formed 6^th Reserve Battalion at West Sandling.  Shortly after the formation of the battalion, it was moved to Seaford to train reinforcements for the front

Feb 1, 1917

Transferred to the 21^st Battalion

Feb 2, 1917

Arrived at the CBD (Canadian Base Depot) in the Rouelles Camp, Havre, France and TOS (Taken On Strength) the 21^st Battalion. 

Feb 24, 1917

After leaving the base depot, he joined the 2^nd Canadian Entrenching Battalion in Hersin, France as part of a draft of 68 reinforcements destined to join the 21^st Battalion

Mar 6, 1917

After leaving the entrenching battalion, Private Fowler joined the 21^st Battalion in Division Reserve in Bois des Alleux, France

Aug 17, 1917

Proceeded on course

Sep 26, 1917

Rejoined the battalion from course

Nov 4, 1917

In the early morning of November 3^rd, the 21^st Battalion moved into the front line at Passchendaele.  The Germans immediately launched an unsuccessful attack.  The next day, November 4^th, the Germans launched a determined counter attack and Private Fowler received shrapnel wounds to his back and right eye.  He was first evacuated to the No. 1 CFA (Canadian Field Ambulance) for first aid before being transported to the No. 2 CCS (Casualty Clearing Station) for further treatment and surgery.

Nov 8, 1917

Private Charles Fowler died of his wounds at the No. 2 CCS and was buried in the Lijssenthoek Military Cemetery, south of Poperinge, Belgium

Following the war, the British War Medal, Victory Medal and Memorial Cross were sent to his mother, Mrs. Annie Fowler, RR No. 1, Tyrone, Ontario

The Plaque (Dead Man’s Penny) and Scroll were sent to his father, Robert James Fowler, at the same address