Feb 9, 1895

Born in Glasgow, Scotland to Robert and Helen Charles.

Oct 26, 1912

Embarked the SS Saturnia in Glasgow, Scotland

Nov 3, 1912

Disembarked in Montreal, Quebec and proceeded to Kingston, Ontario to join his uncle, Mr. T.F. Auld.

Nov 28, 1914

Attested into the 21^st Battalion in Kingston, Ontario

Ø      Number 59152 (temporary number 1124)

Ø      Next of kin given as Mrs. Auld, aunt, Perth Road, Kingston, Ontario

Ø      Previous occupation given as Farmer

Ø      No previous military experience given

Ø      Religion given as Presbyterian

Ø      Assigned to “A” Company

Robert’s brother, William Charles, 59153, also attested into the 21^st Battalion and was assigned to the Machine Gun Section.

May 6, 1915

Embarked the RMS Metagama in Montreal, Quebec

May 15, 1915

Disembarked in Devonport, England and proceeded to West Sandling, near Hythe, Kent.

Sep 14, 1915

Embarked the St. Seiriol in Folkestone

Sep 15, 1915

Disembarked in Boulogne, France and proceeded to St. Omer.

Oct 9, 1915

Admitted to the No. 6 CFA (Canadian Field Ambulance) in Dranoutre, diagnosed with Tonsillitis.  He was transferred the same day to the DRS (Divisional Rest Station) in Locre.

Oct 14, 1915

Discharged to duty from hospital.

Apr 22, 1916

While in the front line in the Ypres Salient near the village of Voormezeele, Belgium, Private Charles was killed by the explosion of an artillery shell.  When the barrage had ceased, his body could not be located and he could not be given a proper burial.  For this reason he is commemorated on the Menin Gate in Ypres, Belgium as having no known grave.

Following the war the 1914-15 Star, British War Medal, Victory Medal, Plaque (Dead Man’s Penny), and Scroll were sent to his father, Mr. Robert S. Charles, 171 Pollokshaws Rd., Glasgow, Scotland.

The Memorial Cross was sent to his mother, Mrs. Helen Charles, at the same address.