Charles Morris, MM
 

Jan 15, 1892

Born at London England

 

Nov 6, 1914

Attested into the 21st Battalion at Kingston Ontario 

Ø      Number 59676 (temporary number 902)

Ø      Next of kin given as Mrs G Morris (mother) of Homeland Acacia Road, Acton, London England

Ø      Previous occupation given as Butcher

Ø      No previous military experience given

Ø      Religion given as Church of England

 

May 6, 1915

Embarked the RMS Metagama at Montreal Quebec

  

 

May 15, 1915

Disembarked at Devonport England and proceeded to West Sandling Camp, near Hythe Kent

 

Sep 14, 1915

Embarked the St Seiriol at Folkestone

  

 

Sep 15, 1915

Disembarked at Boulogne France and proceeded to St Omer

 

Nov 19, 1915

Admitted to No 5 CFA (Canadian Field Ambulance) diagnosis reads NYD (Not Yet Determined)

 

Nov 20, 1915

Transferred to 2nd Division Rest Station at No 6 CFA at Locre diagnosed with Lumbago

 

Nov 23, 1915

Transferred to No 14 CCS (Casualty Clearing Station) at Mont des Chats and diagnosis reads ICT (Inter-Connective Tissue) Hand.  This is an infection

 

Dec 1, 1915

Transferred to No 8 CCS at Bailleul

 

Dec 3, 1915

Discharged to duty

 

Jan 1, 1916

Accidentally fell and injured right knee while exiting a tunnel to enter the N & O trenches.  Reported on Sick Parade to Medical Officer but returned to duty

 

Jan 4, 1916

Admitted to No 5 CCS with accidental injury to right knee then transferred same day to the Divisional Rest Station at Mont des Cats, near Godewaersvelde

 

Jan 12, 1916

Transferred to North Midland Casualty Clearing Station

 

Jan 19, 1916

Transferred to No 1 Canadian General Hospital at Etaples

 

Jan 22, 1916

Invalided to England aboard the Hospital Ship Brighton

  

Admitted to the Manor House Hospital at Folkestone 

TOS (Taken On Strength) 39th Reserve Battalion while in hospital

 

Feb 15, 1916

TOS CCAC (Canadian Casualty Assembly Centre) while in hospital

 

Mar 13, 1916

Transferred to Monks Horton Convalescent Hospital 

Surgery performed to remove loose cartilage in knee

 

May 2, 1916

Discharged from hospital 

Reported to CCAC at Folkestone as an Overseas Casualty

 

May 3, 1916

Posted to 39th Reserve Battalion

 

May 25, 1916

Deducted 3 days pay for being “Dirty on parade” 

Transferred to 21st Battalion

 

May 26, 1916

Arrived at CBD (Canadian Base Depot) at Havre France and TOS 21st Battalion

 

May 30, 1916

Left CBD to join unit

 

Jun 1, 1916

Rejoined the 21st Battalion in the field 

The Battalion was in the “A” Camp carrying out training exercises

 

Jul 3, 1916

Sentenced to 7 days Field Punishment #2 and 10 hours extra fatigues, plus forfeits 2 days pay for the following: 

Ø      Being in an Estaminet during prohibited hours

Ø      Striking a superior officer

Ø      Using threatening language to an officer

Ø      AWL (Absent Without Leave) from 8.30 pm July 1, 1916 to 9.00 am July 2, 1916 

The Battalion was in the Micmac Camp carrying out training programs and supplying carrying parties to the front

 

Oct 4, 1916

Admitted to No 4 CFA with shrapnel wound to Left Shoulder

 

Oct 5, 1916

Transferred to No 10 CFA then same day, transferred to the Divisional Rest Station at Warloy (No 9 CCS)

 

Oct 6, 1916

Transferred via No 16 AT (Ambulance Transport)

 

Oct 7, 1916

Admitted to No 11 Stationary Hospital at Rouen with wounds to left shoulder

 

Oct 8, 1916

Transferred to No 6 TB at Rouen

 

Oct 10, 1916

Arrived at CBD

 

Oct 19, 1916

Promoted to rank of Cpl to replace Cpl PF Pirie who had been promoted

 

Nov 2, 1916

Left CBD to join 21st Battalion

 

Nov 5, 1916

Rejoined the 21st Battalion in the field 

The Battalion was in the front line in the Lens Right Sub Sector

 

Jan 22, 1917

To duty with the Composite Company of the Draft Battalion

 

Feb 23, 1917

Returned to duty with the 21st Battalion from the Composite Company

 

May 12, 1917

Promoted to rank of Sgt to replace Sgt Horace Brown who had been wounded

 

Aug 29, 1917

Sent to the 1st Army Rest Camp

 

Oct 7, 1917

Granted 10 days leave

 

Oct 21, 1917

Rejoined from leave

 

Nov 2, 1917

Awarded the Military Medal per the London Gazette #30364

  

This was awarded for his actions during the fighting at Hill 70 at Lens

Citation reads

For conspicuous courage, initiative and endurance.  During the advance to the final objective this NCO became wounded but continued to carry on and inspire his men.   Later in the day his Company Officers and senior NCO's becoming casualties, he reorganized the balance of the Company.  Three days later the enemy regained our trenches.  Sgt Morris rallied his men and brought them up for the counter attack, thus assisting materially in dislodging the enemy.  His section throughout severe fighting was of fine spirit and had a most inspiring effect on the men

AFW 3121    28-8-17

 

Jan 12, 1918

Military Medal presented to him on parade at Westrehem France by Gen Sir Arthur W Currie, KCB, KCMG.

 

Mar 4, 1918

Admitted to No 6 CFA with shrapnel wounds to feet and transferred same day to No 6 CCS

 

Mar 5, 1918

Transferred via No 35 AT and admitted to No 4 Canadian General Hospital at Camiers

 

Mar 10, 1918

Transferred to No 6 Convalescent Depot at Etaples

 

Mar 12, 1918

Discharged to Base Depot

 

Mar 13, 1918

TOS CIBD (Canadian Infantry Base Depot)

 

Mar 20, 1918

Attached to 29th Battalion for Escort Duty

 

Mar 23, 1918

Returned to CIBD from Escort Duty

 

Apr 1, 1918

Left CIBD and arrived at CC Rein C (Canadian Corps Reinforcement Camp)

 

Apr 6, 1918

Rejoined the 21st Battalion 

The Battalion was in the front lines near Neuville Vitasse

 

Aug 26, 1918

Killed in Action 

The Battalion was involved in heavy fighting in and around the Nova Scotia Trench in the Telegraph Hill Sector 

 
Tilloy British Cemetery
Tilloy Les Mofflaines France

 

Apr 14, 1921

On this date, and on subsequent dates, the following were sent to his mother, Mrs Ada Morris of Homeland Acacia Road, Acton, London England: 

1914-15 Star

British War Medal

Victory Medal

Plaque

Scroll

Memorial Cross

 

Although not mentioned in the service file, he performed with the Drum and Bugle Band.  The above is from the January 1936 issue of the Communiqué, the 21st Battalion Association post war newsletter.  Although a poor quality photo, he is on the extreme right of the front row.


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