Feb 26, 1893

Born to James and Sarah (nee Jones) Welch at Minden Ontario

Dec 17, 1915

Attested into the 109^th Battalion CEF at Minden Ontario 

Ø      Number 726034

Ø      Next of kin given as James Welch (father) of Minden Ontario

Ø      Previous occupation given as Labourer

Ø      No previous military experience given

Ø      Religion given as Church of England

Ø      Assigned to “D” Company 

Note that his brother, Henry Welch, attested into the same Battalion 2 months later and was also assigned to “D” Company

Jul 23, 1916

Embarked the RMS Olympic along with his brother at Halifax Nova Scotia

Jul 31, 1916

Disembarked at Liverpool England and proceeded to the Bramshott Camp

Oct 2, 1916

Will made out leaving his estate to his mother at Halls Lake Ontario

Oct 5, 1916

Posted to the 21^st Battalion along with his brother, Pte Henry Welch

Oct 6, 1916

Arrived at the CBD (Canadian Base Depot) at Etaples France and TOS (Taken On Strength) the 21^st Battalion

Oct 20, 1916

Left the CBD to join unit

Oct 22, 1916

Joined the 21^st Battalion in the field 

The Battalion was in Division Reserve at Bully Grenay conducting training and re-fitting equipment

Dec 31, 1916

A second will was made out leaving his estate to his mother at Halls Lake Ontario

Jan 17, 1917           Pte Welch was killed during a Trench Raid at Calonne.

Above from the 21^st Battalion War Diary

Maroc British Cemetery
Grenay France

May 9, 1917

Charles’ brother, Henry Welch was killed in action during an attack by the Germans near Thelus Cave, not far from Vimy Ridge

Dec 9, 1920

The Memorial Cross was sent to his mother at Halls Lake Ontario

Dec 30, 1920

Scroll sent to his father James Welch, at Halls Lake Ontario

Aug 13, 1921

The Plaque (Dead Man’s Penny) sent to his father at Halls Lake Ontario

May 27, 1922

The British War Medal and the Victory Medals were sent to his mother, Sarah Welch, at Halls Lake Ontario