Charles Leslie Vidler

Submitted by Mt Kembla Minin... on Sat, 21/11/2015 - 12:23

First Name:

Charles

Middle Name:

Leslie

Last Name:

Vidler

Date of Birth:

Saturday, December 5, 1885

Mother's Name:

Isabella Vidler (nee Dawes)

Father's Name:

William Vidler

Date Enlisted:

Thursday, September 3, 1914

Rank at Enlistment:

Sergeant

Rank at Discharge:

Lieutenant

Unit:

Australian Flying Corps

Company:

3rd Squadron

Service:

Australian Flying Corps

Awards:

1914/1915 Star

British War Medal

Victory Medal

Date of Death:

Sunday, April 29, 1979

Place of Death:

Queensland

Cause of Death:

age

Details:

Charles Vidler (Service No 546) was born in Jamberoo, NSW in 1885. At the time of enlistment, he was a single 29 year old blacksmith.

Charles embarked on HMAT A16 Star of Victoria as a Farrier Sergeant with B Squadron, 1st Light Horse on 19th October, 1914. Charles arrived in Egypt and when the Light Horse dismounted and went to Gallipoli, he was ordered to remain in Egypt to look after the horses. While serving in Egypt, Charles was promoted to Senior Sergeant. On 26th October, 1915, Charles was admitted to hospital sick, and was discharged on 9th November, 1915. Charles was transferred to the Divisional Ammunition Column and arrived in France with them on 27th March, 1916. Charles saw service on the Western Front until 28th April, 1917 when he transferred to the Australian Flying Corps. Charles began flying instruction in England on 27th June, 1917. On 7th December 1917 he was designated Pilot and made 2nd Lieutenant. He returned to France and joined No 3 Squadron on 3rd March, 1918 as a pilot. On 7th March, 1918, Charles was promoted to Lieutenant.

On 20th April, 1918, Charles was admitted to hospital with a dislocated wrist and broken arm as the result of an accident. He was marked for Home Leave and returned to Australia in January, 1919 and discharged on 12th April,1919.

In 1919, Charles married Elsie Arkinstall but she died in 1922. He married again on 19th April, 1923 to Ivy Dann and they moved to Queensland and raised a family. Charles died in Queensland in 1979.

Charles wrote a letter to his Mother telling her of his excitement at becoming a pilot, describing his training and telling of the confidence he and his comrades shared about ultimate victory. He also talks about his POW brother.

Sources:

NAA: B2455, VIDLER CHARLES LESLIE